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.
On June 2, 2023, those tensions boiled over when Lorincz shot Owens through the door of her home, killing her. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025 Bring to a boil over medium, and cook, stirring often, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, 6 to 8 minutes. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025 The 29-year-old woman shared in her post that her sibling had been pushing her to let their mother’s husband walk her down the aisle, igniting a years-long tension that has now boiled over. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025 The interaction boiled over as the crowd gathered in front of the federal building, and Williams was seen moving through the mass of people. Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 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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