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

Deal news connected to that theme has been simmering lately.

Read more on MarketWatch

He simmered on the Wembley touchline as he watched his team fold obligingly in the face of torrential English pressure.

Read more on BBC

But simmering doubts over how much AI can keep pushing the market has been beating down on investors’ heads.

Read more on MarketWatch

Until all of their simmering problems suddenly burst to the surface all at once.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A simmering cauldron of memory and pain, his Ray gives the picture everything it needs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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