simmer

[ sim-er ]
See synonyms for simmer on Thesaurus.com
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.

  1. 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 Phrases
  1. simmer down,

    • to reduce in volume by simmering.

    • Slang. to become calm or quiet, as from a state of anger or turmoil: We waited for the audience to simmer down.

Origin of simmer

1
First recorded in 1645–55; alteration of earlier simper< ?

synonym study For simmer

3. See boil1.

Other words from simmer

  • sim·mer·ing·ly, adverb
  • re·sim·mer, verb
  • un·sim·mered, adjective
  • un·sim·mer·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use simmer in a sentence

  • The great roasts are simmering and crackling on the spits, while the vegetables of potatoes, chestnuts and peas are boiling.

    Ways of War and Peace | Delia Austrian
  • May be removed by simmering the bark of the root of bitter-sweet in lard, till it becomes very yellow.

    Domestic Animals | Richard L. Allen
  • A subtle scheme was simmering in his brain, which the fiery liquor now awoke to full activity.

    Menotah | Ernest G. Henham
  • This simmering, oily, exhausting temperature carried us close to the line.

  • With this permission the sugar and molasses were soon simmering in a saucepan, sending forth a pleasant fragrance.

    The Story of the Big Front Door | Mary Finley Leonard

British Dictionary definitions for simmer

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

Origin of simmer

1
C17: perhaps of imitative origin; compare German summen to hum

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012