smolder

verb

smol·​der ˈsmōl-dər 

variants or smoulder

smoldered or smouldered; smoldering or smouldering ˈsmōl-d(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

1

a

: to burn sluggishly, without flame, and often with much smoke

b

: to be consumed by smoldering

—often used with out

2

: to exist in a state of suppressed activity

hostilities smoldered for years

3

: to show suppressed anger, hate, or jealousy

eyes smoldering with hate

Examples of smolder in a Sentence

The remains of the campfire smoldered.

Her eyes smoldered with anger.

Anger smoldered in my heart.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their arrival was like pouring gasoline on a smoldering fire—igniting a brutal fifteen-year civil war that devastated the country. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

An intriguing nose with smoldering earth and graphite that has crunchy blackberry and red currant fruit on the palate with the enticing aroma of a lit cigar ruminating in one’s head for several seconds after the finish. —Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Video released by the Oakland Fire Department on social media platform X earlier Friday showed firefighters hosing down a smoldering front lawn and flames showing from the roof of a home. —Tenzin Shakya, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2024

Throughout the romantic drama, Tita and Pedro’s chemistry continues to heighten, which allows the longing between the characters to smolder across the years. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English smolderen to smother, from smolder smoke, smudge; akin to Middle Dutch smōlen to smolder

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

smolder

1 of 2 noun

smol·​der

variants or smoulder

ˈsmōl-dər

: a slow smoky fire

smolder

2 of 2 verb

variants or smoulder

smoldered or smouldered; smoldering or smouldering

-d(ə-)riŋ

1

: to burn slowly with smoke and usually without flame

fire was smoldering in the pit

2

: to exist or continue in a hidden or controlled state

discontent smoldered for years before the revolt

3

: to burn inwardly

anger smoldered in my heart