broil

1 of 4

verb (1)

ˈbrȯi(-ə)l 

broiled; broiling; broils

transitive verb

: to cook by direct exposure to radiant heat : grill

broil the steak in the oven at 450ƍF

intransitive verb

: to be subjected to great or oppressive heat

broiling in the sun

broil

2 of 4

noun (1)

: the act or state of cooking something directly over or under high radiant heat : the act or state of broiling (see broil entry 1)

a quick broil

broil

3 of 4

verb (2)

broiled; broiling; broils

intransitive verb

: brawl

transitive verb

: embroil

broil

4 of 4

noun (2)

: a noisy disturbance : tumult

especially : brawl

… a tavern row … widens into a general broil …

—J. R. Green

Synonyms of broil

Verb (2)

• trap
• embroil
• bog (down)
• tangle

Noun (2)

• brawl
• clash
• melee

Examples of broil in a Sentence

Verb (2)

instead of broiling themselves in internal strife, they should band together against the common enemy

Noun (2)

a noisy broil broke out at the bar

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Each cut is aged four to six weeks, meticulously trimmed, and flame-broiled over a 1,200-degree citrus- and oak-wood-burning pit. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025

There are several ways to cook asparagus and broccoli, including steaming, roasting, grilling, microwaving, stir-frying, broiling, or sautéing. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 Nov. 2025

Noun

Our favorite finds include a Dyson cordless vacuum that can effortlessly sweep up dirt and debris from carpets, rugs, and more in seconds, a chic pair of jeans for any outfit or occasion, and an impressive dual-zone air fryer that can bake, roast, broil, and more. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025

Place under the broiler and broil, turning every 30 seconds until the meat is well browned on all sides and the tenderloin’s center reaches 125 degrees for rare or 130 degrees for medium rare. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French bruiller to burn, broil, modification of Latin ustulare to singe, from urere to burn

Noun (1)

noun derivative of broil entry 1

Verb (2)

Middle English, from Anglo-French broiller to jumble, mix, from Vulgar Latin *brodiculare, from *brod-, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German brod broth — more at broth

Noun (2)

noun derivative of broil entry 3

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (1)

1563, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (2)

1525, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing broil

• London broil

Rhymes for broil

• boil
• coil
• foil
• oil
• roil
• soil
• spoil
• toil
• voile
• aerofoil
• cinquefoil
• hydrofoil

Kids Definition

broil

verb

ˈbrȯi(ə)l

1

: to cook directly over or under heat

2

: to make or become extremely hot

broiling in the sun