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

In fall, that means pears — Bosc, Anjou, Bartlett — all sturdy and aromatic, the kind that hold their shape even after a gentle simmer.

Read more on Salon

That remains another simmering concern for investors looking for evidence that the billions being spent on data centers and chips is finding its way into the bottom line of the market’s most important stocks.

Read more on Barron's

OTTAWA—Inflation in Canada quickened more than anticipated last month, touching a seven-month high as price pressures continue to simmer in the country.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The row saw the two slap each other with eye-watering tariffs this year, and while they have reached a shaky detente, tensions continue to simmer.

Read more on Barron's

The irony is that over the last few weeks senior RBA staff have been signaling their rising concern about simmering inflation risks, and steering the bank’s public narrative away from further interest-rate cuts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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