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 Bring the water to a boil over high heat and allow to simmer for three hours. Michelle Tchea, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2024 Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) DIRECTIONS Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and bring to a rapid boil over high heat. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 3 June 2024 As consumer angst boils over, fast-food sales are declining as customers look elsewhere for convenient meals. Tribune News Service, Orange County Register, 23 May 2024 Put potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, salt generously and bring to a boil over high heat. David Tanis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for boil over 

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 15 Jun. 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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