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.
Bednarek quickly offered Lyles a handshake after the incident, but after a few moments the tensions boiled over again as Lyles gave a post-race interview with NBC with Bednarek hovering nearby. Sean Neumann, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Stir in diced tomatoes and water; bring to a boil over medium-high. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 21 July 2025 Frustrations from the game boiled over after the final whistle with a confrontation between Pedro and PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and manager Luis Enrique. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 14 July 2025 At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Sonny's frustration boils over. Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 1 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 19 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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