boil over

verb

boiled over; boiling over; boils over

intransitive verb

1
: to overflow while boiling
2
: to become so incensed as to lose one's temper
boilover noun

Examples of boil over in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Return pot of cooking water to a boil over high; add pasta, and cook according to package directions. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 Even when tensions have threatened to boil over in the Senate, Lundeen said debate has stayed within the bounds of the Senate process. Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2024 The simmering crisis in the Middle East, sparked by the start of the war in Gaza nearly three months ago, threatens to boil over amid strikes and violence across the region. Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 4 Jan. 2024 Toil and trouble boil over in this timeless tale of mayhem and madness, reimagined for today, where the lines between reality and the supernatural blur. David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 Emotions boiled over several minutes later when Cronin was assessed a technical foul after a controversial call. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Tensions boiled over the next day, during debate over new rules proposed by the House Rules Committee. Dakin Andone, CNN, 13 Feb. 2024 Place scraped cobs and milky liquid, whole milk, and 2 cups water in a large saucepan; bring just to a boil over medium-high. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2024 Bring to a boil over medium high; reduce heat to medium low, and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 12 minutes. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'boil over.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boil over was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near boil over

Cite this Entry

“Boil over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boil%20over. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

boil over

verb
1
: to overflow while boiling
2
: to become so angry as to lose one's temper

More from Merriam-Webster on boil over

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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