Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for simmer on Thesaurus.com verb (used without object) to cook or cook in a liquid at or just below the boiling point. to make a gentle murmuring sound, as liquids cooking just below the boiling point. to be in a state of subdued or restrained activity, development, excitement, anger, etc.: The town simmered with rumors. Show More
to keep (liquid) in a state approaching boiling. to cook in a liquid that is kept at or just below the boiling point. Show More
the state or process of simmering. Show More
simmer down , to reduce in volume by simmering. Slang to become calm or quiet, as from a state of anger or turmoil: We waited for the audience to simmer down. Show More
Origin of simmer First recorded in 1645–55; alteration of earlier simper < ?
Related forms sim·mer·ing·ly , adverb re·sim·mer , verb un·sim·mered , adjective un·sim·mer·ing , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for simmer rage ,
stir ,
burn ,
warm ,
seethe ,
stew ,
ferment ,
churn ,
bubble ,
fume ,
parboil ,
effervesce ,
sparkle ,
cook ,
fizz ,
smart ,
fret ,
fricassee Examples from the Web for simmer Contemporary Examples of simmer Add the butter, chicken stock, salt, bay leaf, thyme, and tarragon and bring to a simmer .
Transfer the halves and cylinders to a medium sauté pan with the chicken stock and butter and bring to a simmer .
Add the vinegar, bring to a simmer , then stir in the chicken stock.
In a small saucepan, combine the yogurt, cream, and vadouvan spice and bring to a simmer .
Add the remaining tomatoes, cover, and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Historical Examples of simmer Cover it close, set it on hot coals, and let it simmer about an hour.
Then put in the strained blood and simmer it for another hour, at least.
Let it simmer awhile, but take it up before it comes to a boil.
Simmer them for an hour, and having skimmed it well, strain off the liquid.
Set the pan on hot coals, and simmer them gently about five minutes.
British Dictionary definitions for simmer to cook (food) gently at or just below the boiling point (intr) to be about to break out in rage or excitement Show More
the act, sound, or state of simmering Show More
Word Origin for simmer C17: perhaps of imitative origin; compare German summen to hum
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for simmer v. 1650s, alteration of simperen "to simmer" (late 15c.), possibly imitative; not thought to be connected to simper (v.). OED says the change is "probably due to a feeling of phonetic appropriateness." Figurative sense, of feelings, "to be agitated" is from 1764. Opposite sense, in simmer down , first recorded 1871, probably from the notion of moving from a full boil to a mere simmer.
I must and will keep shady and quiet till Bret Harte simmers down a little. [Mark Twain, letter, 1871] Related: Simmered ; simmering . The noun meaning "a condition of simmering" is from 1809.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
