Definition of boil
intransitive verb
1a : to come to the boiling pointb : to generate bubbles of vapor when heated —used of a liquidc : to cook in boiling water
2 : to become agitated : seethe
3 : to be moved, excited, or stirred up
4a : to rush headlongb : 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
From the M-W Editors
Examples of boil in a Sentence
Keep the temperature low enough so the mixture will not boil.
a pot of boiling water
french fries cooked in boiling oil
Origin and Etymology of boil
Middle English, from Anglo-French buillir, boillir, from Latin bullire to bubble, from bulla bubble
boil
Definition of boil
: 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
Origin and Etymology of boil
Middle English, alteration of bile, from Old English bȳl; akin to Old High German pūlla bladder
First Known Use of boil
15th century
BOIL Defined for English Language Learners
boil
playDefinition of boil for English Language Learners
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: to become so hot that bubbles are formed in a liquid and rise to the top
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: to heat (a liquid or a container with liquid in it) so that bubbles are formed and rise to the top
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: to cook (something) in water that is boiling
BOIL Defined for Kids
Definition of boil for Students
: a red painful lump in the skin that contains pus and is caused by infection
Definition of boil for Students
boiled
;boiling
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.
Definition of boil for Students
: the state of something that is boiling Bring the water to a boil.
Medical Dictionary
boil
playMedical 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
Learn More about boil
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for boil Spanish Central: Translation of boil Nglish: Translation of boil for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of boil for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boil
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