simmered; simmering
ˈsi-mə-riŋ 
ˈsim-riŋ
1
: to stew gently below or just at the boiling point
: to cook slowly in a liquid just below the boiling point
Examples of simmer in a Sentence
Verb
Simmer the stew for 40 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
The chicken was simmered in a cream sauce.
The dispute simmered for years before any progress was made.
It's a debate that has simmered for 30 years and is likely to continue.
Long-simmering tensions between the two groups eventually sparked violence.
Noun
Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Dec. 2025
Tensions simmered until this past July, when Jane’s Addiction filed a bombshell suit against Farrell for $10 million, claiming that the group lost that amount due to the tour’s cancellation and the suspension of band activities.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025
Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2025
Reduce to simmer, covered, for five minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for simmer
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.
Verb
Since cast iron and carbon steel rely on polymerized oils to form a nonstick, protective barrier on the pan, simmering liquids (especially acidic ones) can wear down the seasoning layer to the raw metal underneath.
—Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Dec. 2025
Tensions simmered until this past July, when Jane’s Addiction filed a bombshell suit against Farrell for $10 million, claiming that the group lost that amount due to the tour’s cancellation and the suspension of band activities.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025
Noun
Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
—Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2025
Reduce to simmer, covered, for five minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for simmer
Cite this Entry
“Simmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simmer. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share