simmer

1 of 2

verb

sim·​mer ˈsi-mər 

simmered; simmering ˈsi-mə-riŋ 

ˈsim-riŋ

intransitive verb

1

: to stew gently below or just at the boiling point

2

a

: to be in a state of incipient development : ferment

ideas simmering in the back of my mind

b

: to be in inward turmoil : seethe

transitive verb

: to cook slowly in a liquid just below the boiling point

simmer

2 of 2

noun

: the state of simmering

Synonyms of simmer

Verb

• boil

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

Verb

Let everything simmer together until the peppers soften and the meatballs are coated in the sauce. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Soak them, then simmer them low and slow with chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, garlic, and bay leaves until tender. — Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

Noun

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and rice cakes are tender, about 5 minutes. — Catherine Yoo, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Sep. 2026

Stirring regularly, bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low -- the milk should be barely simmering -- and cover. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of English dialect simper, from Middle English simperen, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

1637, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1758, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing simmer

• simmer down

Rhymes for simmer

• brimmer
• dimmer
• glimmer
• grimmer
• nimmer
• rimmer
• shimmer
• skimmer
• slimmer
• swimmer
• timmer
• trimmer

Kids Definition

simmer

verb

sim·​mer

ˈsim-ər

simmered; simmering

-(ə-)riŋ

: to stew gently below or just at the boiling point

simmer noun