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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Anyway The frustration boiled over when asked about areas for improvement. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025 The veteran was mocked on social media as Yankees fans' frustrations boiled over. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2025 The decision to award the late penalty kick was a contentious one and tensions boiled over during Ipswich Town’s celebrations. Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2025 On Monday, with Berry absent, the behind-the-scenes tension over the upcoming vote boiled over in a rare, heated confrontation in committee. Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for boil over

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boil over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boil%20over. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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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