simmer

¹sim·mer

verb \ˈsi-mər\

sim·meredsim·mer·ing \ˈsi-mə-riŋ, ˈsim-riŋ\

Definition of SIMMER

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

Examples of SIMMER

1. Simmer the stew for 40 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
2. The chicken was simmered in a cream sauce.
3. The dispute simmered for years before any progress was made.
4. It's a debate that has simmered for 30 years and is likely to continue.
5. Long-simmering tensions between the two groups eventually sparked violence.

Origin of SIMMER

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

First Known Use: 1653

Related to SIMMER

Synonyms

coddle, parboil, poach, boil, stew

Related Words

scald; braise, fricassee, pressure-cook, smother, steam; reboil

Rhymes with SIMMER

brimmer, dimmer, glimmer, limmer, limner, primer, shimmer, skimmer, slimmer, swimmer, trimmer

²simmer

noun

Definition of SIMMER

: the state of simmering

Examples of SIMMER

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

First Known Use of SIMMER

1809

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Rhymes with SIMMER

glimmer, shimmer, swimmer