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. 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 Words From

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

With an offense that is finally starting to simmer, the Chargers can do just enough to win.

From Los Angeles Times

Edward Simmer, the state’s interim public health director, said that if “you are African American in a rural zone, it is like having two strikes against you.”

From Salon

Asked if South Carolina should expand Medicaid, Simmer said the challenges South Carolina and other states confront are worsened by health care provider shortages and structural inequities too large and complicated for Medicaid expansion alone to solve.

From Salon

She’ll simmer down, but only for about five minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

But, as so often is the case, it was the unexpected moment that highlighted the tensions that still simmer here between modern Australia and its reconciliation with its past.

From BBC

Related Words

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