simmer

American  

[sim-er] / ˈsɪm ər /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. the act, sound, or state of simmering

Related Words

See boil ¹.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of simmer

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

Explanation

Usually when you're making a soup, you want to bring it to a boil and then let it simmer, cooking it just below the boiling point to get all the flavors to release. The word simmer is usually used to describe the temperature just below boiling or the process of cooking something at that temperature. But it can also be used to describe a feeling that's been simmering or slowly developing over time. It's also a word used to describe suppressed anger — that feeling just before you boil over. Just in case you do boil over, you might need to take a moment to simmer down, a casual expression that means, "Chill out, my friend."

Example Sentences

Simmer over low heat, stirring often, until thick and glossy — about 20–30 minutes.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2025

Simmer Amira says it's especially important for a life simulation game such as The Sims to include as many people as possible.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2025

Simmer and continue stirring, letting the stew come to a near-boil.

From New York Times • Apr. 18, 2024

Excelled on the “Triple Crown” line with Dionne and Charlie Simmer, combining to light up goaltenders around the NHL.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2023

Simmer for half an hour, strain through cheese-cloth, season with salt and pepper, and serve at once.

From The Myrtle Reed Cook Book by Reed, Myrtle

Related Words

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