percolates; percolated; percolating
1
: to pass slowly through something that has many small holes in it
The water percolates [=filters, seeps] through the sand.
Sunlight percolated down through the trees.
2
: to spread slowly
Rumors percolated throughout the town.
3
: to make (coffee) in a special pot (called a percolator)
There is nothing like percolating coffee over an open campfire.
Coffee was percolating on the stove.
4
a
: to continue for a long time without obvious activity
The feud percolated [=simmered] for decades.
b
: to develop slowly
Ideas are always percolating [=simmering] in my mind.
Cite this Entry
“Percolate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/percolate. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.
Copy Citation
