smolder
verb (used without object)
to burn without flame; undergo slow or suppressed combustion.
was smoldering
-
past progressiveof smolder.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Flames weren’t spreading rapidly but the fire was smoldering, creeping along and eating up the vegetation between the rocks on the ridgeline, she said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
When she got there, the arrivals hall dating back to the 19th century was smoldering.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 28, 2025
The Bolt Creek wildfire near Index was smoldering on about 10,500 acres Friday, when it was considered it was 96% contained.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 24, 2022
When Thomas traveled to the park last week to report this story, the Washburn fire was smoldering.
From New York Times ● Jul. 27, 2022
In the brief moment it took to do that the entire shingle was smoldering and smoking, hot in my hand.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
