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.
The tension between them later boils over in the next two seasons. Skyler Trepel, People.com, 29 June 2025 And in Thursday’s series finale, tensions finally boiled over to the point of no return. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 Bring to boiling over medium-high, stirring frequently. Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2025 Those frustrations boiled over into the fight that ended practice early last week. Pat Leonard, Hartford Courant, 9 June 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 5 Jul. 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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