boil

verb

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\ ˈbȯi(-ə)l

boiled; boiling; boils

Definition of boil

(Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1a : to come to the boiling point

b : to generate bubbles of vapor when heated —used of a liquid

c : to cook in boiling water

2 : to become agitated : seethe

3 : to be moved, excited, or stirred up

4a : to rush headlong

b : to burst forth

5 : to undergo the action of a boiling liquid

transitive verb

1 : to subject to the action of a boiling liquid

2 : to heat to the boiling point

3 : to form or separate (something, such as sugar or salt) by boiling

boil

noun (1)

Definition of boil (Entry 2 of 3)

: a localized swelling and inflammation of the skin resulting from infection of a hair follicle and adjacent tissue, having a hard central core, and forming pus

boil

noun (2)

Definition of boil (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : the act or state of boiling

2 : a swirling upheaval (as of water)

3 : a boiled dish of seafood, vegetables, and seasonings a crab boil also : a gathering at which this dish is served

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Synonyms for boil

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun (1)

fester,
hickey,
papule,
pimple,
pock,
pustule,
whelk,
zit
[slang]

Examples of boil in a Sentence

Verb Keep the temperature low enough so the mixture will not boil. a pot of boiling water french fries cooked in boiling oil

History and Etymology for boil

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French buillir, boillir, from Latin bullire to bubble, from bulla bubble

Noun (1)

Middle English, alteration of bile, from Old English bȳl; akin to Old High German pūlla bladder

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Cite this Entry

“Boil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boil. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for boil

boil

verb

English Language Learners Definition of boil

: to become so hot that bubbles are formed in a liquid and rise to the top

: to heat (a liquid or a container with liquid in it) so that bubbles are formed and rise to the top

: to cook (something) in water that is boiling

See the full definition for boil in the English Language Learners Dictionary

boil

noun

\ ˈbȯil

Kids Definition of boil

(Entry 1 of 3)

: a red painful lump in the skin that contains pus and is caused by infection

boil

verb

boiled; boiling

Kids Definition of boil (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : to heat or become heated to the temperature ( boiling point ) at which bubbles rise and break at the surface boil water

2 : to cook or become cooked in boiling water boil eggs Let the stew boil slowly.

3 : to feel angry or upset The crowd boiled in frustration.

boil

noun

Kids Definition of boil (Entry 3 of 3)

: the state of something that is boiling Bring the water to a boil.

boil

noun

\ ˈbȯi(ə)l

Medical Definition of boil

: a localized swelling and inflammation of the skin resulting from usually bacterial infection of a hair follicle and adjacent tissue, having a hard central core, and forming pus

— called also furuncle

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