smoulder

[ smohl-der ]

verb (used without object)

1. smolder.

smoulder

/ ˈsməʊldə /

verb

1. to burn slowly without flame, usually emitting smoke
2. (esp of anger, etc) to exist in a suppressed or half-suppressed state
3. to have strong repressed or half repressed feelings, esp anger

noun

1. dense smoke, as from a smouldering fire
2. a smouldering fire

Other Words From

• un·smoulder·ing adjective
• un·smoulder·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of smoulder¹

C14: from smolder (n), of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The moon was like a wonderful white lantern in the purple sky; there was but a smoulder of stars.

From Project Gutenberg

It was strewn in a zigzag line, was lighted at one end, and allowed to smoulder away to the other.

From Project Gutenberg

Quite large logs could be slipped in and they would lie there and smoulder, lasting sometimes all night.

From Project Gutenberg

Guillaume told me that he had known fires to smoulder on in grassy glens for weeks together.

From Project Gutenberg

We lit our fire against its side, so that it soon began to smoulder and gave out a great heat.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blaze
• boil
• rage