burn-in

1 of 2

noun

: the continuous operation of a device (such as a computer) as a test for defects or failure prior to putting it to use

burn in

2 of 2

verb

burned in or burnt in; burning in; burns in

transitive verb

: to increase the density of (portions of a photographic print) during enlarging by giving extra exposure

Examples of burn-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
But in terms of preventing burn-in, flying toasters were no better than a blank screen. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025 The monitor has several burn-in protections, including one that automatically detects and lowers the local brightness of static elements. Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
All of the bodies were badly burned in a fire following the crash. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 15 June 2025 About 7 million acres are burned in a typical year, but AccuWeather predicted in April that up to 9 million acres could be charred by the year's end. Brian Day, USA Today, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for burn-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1966, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of burn-in was circa 1939

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Burn-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burn-in. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

burn-in

noun
: the continuous operation of a device (as a computer) as a test for defects or failure prior to putting it to use
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!