broil

1 of 4

verb (1)

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

broil

4 of 4

noun (2)

: a noisy disturbance : tumult
especially : brawl
a tavern row … widens into a general broil J. R. Green

Examples of broil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Last session, lawmakers passed a law requiring teacher preparation programs to incorporate the science of reading, the theory of reading that emphasizes phonics and has been at the center of a broiling national debate around how to properly teach reading. The Indianapolis Star, 8 Jan. 2024 The menu features small bites like the warm milk bread with kabocha squash and brown butter; Mendocino uni with crisp prosciutto; broiled live sea scallop with garlic chive butter and more. Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Heritage Two-Piece Square Baking Dish Set This dish set can tackle just about everything, including marinating meat, broiling fish, roasting vegetables, and baking cinnamon rolls. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2024 Just make sure to broil the veggies before adding them to the pasta. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 Another quarter got you and your group some towels and a large umbrella planted nearby to provide shade from the broiling sun. Allen Lockshin, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Like many deserts on Earth, the Sahara can broil you during the day and freeze you once the sun goes down. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2024 When the chicken is cooked, raise the oven temperature to broil, and broil just until the top darkens in color and the onions sizzle a bit, 2 to 3 minutes. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Jan. 2024 Get rid of scratched broiling pans and mismatched pots and choose a new, gleaming set. Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024
Noun
Transfer to oven, and broil until cheese melts and browns, 2 to 3 minutes. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Some are also able to air fry, roast, broil, grill and even warm. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2024 Increase oven temperature to broil on HIGH, and broil casserole until top is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2023 There are many different types of electric ranges with an array of features to choose from, such as convection technology, air-fry and broil settings, and ranges with double-ovens and induction cooktops. Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023 The Wonder Oven is a 6-in-1 air fryer and toaster oven that bakes, broils, reheats, broils, roasts, toasts, and fries, and, according to the brand, can preheat 75 percent quicker and cook 30 percent faster than traditional ovens. Dhara Patel, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023 Baste ribs with barbecue sauce and broil: Remove from oven; brush slabs evenly with remaining barbecue sauce. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2023 Add breadcrumbs, and broil: Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over broccoli mixture. Virginia Willis, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2023 Even the most basic Vortex models can air fry, broil, roast and reheat, and the more high-tech ones add dehydrating and baking to the mix. Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 11 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'broil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of broil was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near broil

Cite this Entry

“Broil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broil. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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