smolder

verb

smol·​der ˈsmōl-dər How to pronounce smolder (audio)
variants or smoulder
smoldered or smouldered; smoldering or smouldering ˈsmōl-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce smolder (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to burn sluggishly, without flame, and often with much smoke
b
: to be consumed by smoldering
often used with out
2
: to exist in a state of suppressed activity
hostilities smoldered for years
3
: to show suppressed anger, hate, or jealousy
eyes smoldering with hate

Examples of smolder in a Sentence

The remains of the campfire smoldered. Her eyes smoldered with anger. Anger smoldered in my heart.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But his plans bumped up against the expensive reality of dealing with whatever mysteries lie within this smoldering trash mountain. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025 Video shot by a neighbor shows the plane’s smoldering wreckage, just feet from a kids’ basketball hoop. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2025 In the San Diego area, a stubborn fire at the Gateway Energy Storage facility in Otay Mesa smoldered for two weeks in May 2024. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2025 Black Canyon of the Gunnison officials will reopen the national park’s north rim on Thursday as the South Rim wildfire continues to smolder nearby. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for smolder

Word History

Etymology

Middle English smolderen to smother, from smolder smoke, smudge; akin to Middle Dutch smōlen to smolder

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of smolder was in 1529

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smolder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smolder. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

smolder

1 of 2 noun
smol·​der
variants or smoulder
ˈsmōl-dər
: a slow smoky fire

smolder

2 of 2 verb
variants or smoulder
smoldered or smouldered; smoldering or smouldering
-d(ə-)riŋ
1
: to burn slowly with smoke and usually without flame
fire was smoldering in the pit
2
: to exist or continue in a hidden or controlled state
discontent smoldered for years before the revolt
3
: to burn inwardly
anger smoldered in my heart

More from Merriam-Webster on smolder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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