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
Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Oden is Japanese soul food—savory bites of vegetables and proteins like tofu and fish cake simmered in dashi soup.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
Add barley and cover; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the barley is cooked through.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for simmer
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Verb
The menu, created by chef Pierre Gagnaire, is a lesson in classic French brasserie cuisine with sophisticated touches—an ideal meal starts with escargots simmering in garlicky butter from Burgundy, continues with pan-fried foie gras, and wraps up with crêpes Suzette flambéd table-side.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Oden is Japanese soul food—savory bites of vegetables and proteins like tofu and fish cake simmered in dashi soup.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
Add bay leaves and remaining 1 cup chicken broth; bring to a simmer over medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has mostly evaporated, about 25 minutes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
Add barley and cover; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the barley is cooked through.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for simmer
Cite this Entry
“Simmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simmer. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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