boil
verb (used without object)
to change from a liquid to a gaseous state, producing bubbles of gas that rise to the surface of the liquid, agitating it as they rise.
were boiling
-
past progressiveof boil.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.
Across the country, fear and tension about environmental threats were boiling beneath the surface.
From Salon ● Nov. 14, 2024
At that time, in Northern Ireland, the Troubles were boiling.
From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2023
Fat residues revealed whether meat from ruminants like deer or cattle was on the menu, or whether people were boiling fish soup, pork, or plants instead.
From Science Magazine ● Dec. 22, 2022
Mr. Alcorn said he and his partner were boiling water for themselves and collecting bottled water for their neighbors, many of whom he said were older and unable to go to the distribution sites.
From New York Times ● Sep. 7, 2022
The women were boiling eggs, roasting meat, preparing cakes, sewing backpacks.
From "Night" by Elie Wiesel
