simmer

1 of 2

verb

sim·​mer ˈsi-mər 

simmered; simmering ˈsi-mə-riŋ 

ˈsim-riŋ

intransitive verb

1

: to stew gently below or just at the boiling point

2

a

: to be in a state of incipient development : ferment

ideas simmering in the back of my mind

b

: to be in inward turmoil : seethe

transitive verb

: to cook slowly in a liquid just below the boiling point

simmer

2 of 2

noun

: the state of simmering

Synonyms

Verb

• boil
• coddle
• parboil
• poach
• stew

Examples of simmer in a Sentence

Verb

Simmer the stew for 40 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

The chicken was simmered in a cream sauce.

The dispute simmered for years before any progress was made.

It's a debate that has simmered for 30 years and is likely to continue.

Long-simmering tensions between the two groups eventually sparked violence.

Noun

Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Simmer beans: Bring to a boil over high; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender, about 1 hour 45 minutes. —Tiffany Vickers Davis, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

Decoction In this case, a decoction is prepared by soaking medicinal herbs in cold water and then bringing it to a boil and then simmering for up to thirty minutes, depending on the type of plant and strength desired. —Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024

Noun

As soon as the broth returns to a simmer, turn off the heat. —Elizabeth Brownfield, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

Add the cream, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer. —Fox News, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of English dialect simper, from Middle English simperen, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

1637, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1758, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing simmer

• simmer down

Kids Definition

simmer

verb

sim·​mer

ˈsim-ər

simmered; simmering

-(ə-)riŋ

: to stew gently below or just at the boiling point

simmer noun