aboil

[ uh-boil ]

adverb

1. boiling: boiling:

   Make the tea as soon as the water is aboil.

2. in a state of excited activity:

   The street was aboil with Saturday shoppers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aboil¹

First recorded in 1855–60; a- ¹ + boil ¹

Example Sentences

Arrived at the creek, they found the shallow sand bar between its mouth and the sea all aboil with confusion.

From Project Gutenberg

He took another promenade, pursuing his regular policy of starting the fire and letting the kettle come aboil on its own hook.

From Project Gutenberg