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

The feeling that simmering rivalries and differences were being held together with little more than the fear of state violence was palpable. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

The LoC has been an area of simmering tension and fighting, and the border along the glacier has never been clearly defined. —New Atlas, 10 Dec. 2024

Noun

Combine the soup and gnocchi in a medium saucepan, heat on medium, and bring to a simmer for around 10 minutes. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 13 Dec. 2024

In a small saucepan bring red wine, cherries and apricots to a simmer. —Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 9 Dec. 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