simmer

[sim-er]

verb (used without object)

1. to cook or cook in a liquid at or just below the boiling point.

2. to make a gentle murmuring sound, as liquids cooking just below the boiling point.

3. to be in a state of subdued or restrained activity, development, excitement, anger, etc..

   The town simmered with rumors.

verb (used with object)

1. to keep (liquid) in a state approaching boiling.

2. to cook in a liquid that is kept at or just below the boiling point.

noun

1. the state or process of simmering.

verb phrase

1. simmer down

   1. to reduce in volume by simmering.

   2. Slang.,  to become calm or quiet, as from a state of anger or turmoil.

      We waited for the audience to simmer down.

simmer

/ ˈsɪmə /

verb

1. to cook (food) gently at or just below the boiling point

2. (intr) to be about to break out in rage or excitement

noun

1. the act, sound, or state of simmering

Other Word Forms

• simmeringly adverb
• resimmer verb
• unsimmered adjective
• unsimmering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of simmer¹

First recorded in 1645–55; alteration of earlier simper < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of simmer¹

C17: perhaps of imitative origin; compare German summen to hum

Synonym Study

See boil ¹.

Example Sentences

Wordless interludes find Jem and Ray dancing to music or sparring as boxers, their simmering feud reduced to its core elements of rugged masculinity and sibling rivalry.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Gein’s simmering psychosis coupled with the barbarity of his crimes made him an ideal horror archetype.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

YouTube TV dropped Univision’s Spanish-language networks late Tuesday, a contentious turn in a simmering dispute that has already drawn scrutiny from members of Congress.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

My late grandmother, in particular, had a predictable, beloved spread: shrimp cocktail with horseradish-laced sauce; the supermarket veggie platter with ranch; crockpot meatballs simmered in barbecue sauce and grape jelly; salsa with Tostito’s scoops.

Read more on Salon

The atmosphere simmered over the opening few holes before becoming a tinderbox on the par-five fourth green.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bubble 
• burn 
• churn 
• ferment 
• rage 
• seethe 
• stew 
• stir 
• warm