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

In a salad or slaw; air-fried or stir-fried; brined or broiled—count me in for a serving. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026

This lightened up, but just as delicious, casserole version of chicken Parmesan gets a crunchy finish thanks to panko breadcrumbs that are broiled until brown. —Brennan Long, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

Noun

Preheat oven to broil with rack 5 inches from heat source. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026

For an extra crispy top, turn oven to broil, sprinkle casserole with a little grated Parmesan and broil 5 inches from heat until casserole is bubbling and golden, about 1 minute. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026

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