simmer

1 of 2

verb

sim·​mer ˈsi-mər How to pronounce simmer (audio)
simmered; simmering ˈsi-mə-riŋ How to pronounce simmer (audio)
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

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
Related Articles Bring to a boil, then simmer, partially covered, over medium-low heat until the vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2024 Stovetop: Bring meat, seasonings, onion, celery and broth to a boil, lower to simmer, cover and cook 2-3 hours until meat is done. Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 16 Mar. 2024 Turn the heat to medium-high and simmer until the mixture has thickened slightly. The Editors, Field & Stream, 6 Mar. 2024 Like at other hot pot restaurants, diners at Space Hot Pot will be served a simmering pot of broth. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2024 All the components for an abrupt Chinese land-grab are in place—for years, China has allowed resentments to simmer all along Russia’s long Chinese border. Craig Hooper, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 As tensions mount around the conflict, cultural events have become a lightning rod for simmering discontent in Germany — pitting those who accuse organizations of bias against others who protest their right to artistic freedom. Leo Sands, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 The next big wave of change in the grocery sector is simmering on the sidelines as Albertsons and Kroger look to merge. Samantha Gowen, Orange County Register, 1 Mar. 2024 But Democratic discord simmered beneath the pleasantries at the Feb. 23 decapod dinner. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024
Noun
Reduce to a simmer to infuse the house with a naturally fresh aroma. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024 Heat until boiling, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Kathy Mooreand, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024 Stir in the coconut milk, chile, and reserved chicken and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken shreds easily when pierced with a fork and the sauce is thickened, about 40 minutes. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 24 Jan. 2024 Uncover, add enough water to cover the cauliflower by about an inch, bring to a simmer, then turn down to low and cook for 20 minutes, until the cauliflower begins to break down. Sara Franklin, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 As any chef will tell you, a slow simmer is sometimes vital to developing truly intense flavor. Vivienne Peters; Photos By Judy Revenaugh, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024 Bring heavy cream and bourbon just to a simmer in a saucepan over medium. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2023 Return pork belly to pot and lower heat to a simmer. Judy Bart Kancigor, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 Add the broth, bouillon, thyme, sage, bay leaves, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of simmer was in 1637

Dictionary Entries Near simmer

Cite this Entry

“Simmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simmer. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

simmer

verb
sim·​mer
ˈsim-ər
simmered; simmering
-(ə-)riŋ
: to stew gently below or just at the boiling point
simmer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on simmer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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