simmer

1 of 2

verb

sim·​mer ˈsi-mər How to pronounce simmer (audio)
simmered; simmering ˈsi-mə-riŋ How to pronounce simmer (audio)
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

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
Simmer beans: Bring to a boil over high; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Tiffany Vickers Davis, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 Decoction In this case, a decoction is prepared by soaking medicinal herbs in cold water and then bringing it to a boil and then simmering for up to thirty minutes, depending on the type of plant and strength desired. Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024
Noun
As soon as the broth returns to a simmer, turn off the heat. Elizabeth Brownfield, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 Add the cream, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer. Fox News, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for simmer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'simmer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of simmer was in 1637

Dictionary Entries Near simmer

Cite this Entry

“Simmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simmer. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

simmer

verb
sim·​mer
ˈsim-ər
simmered; simmering
-(ə-)riŋ
: to stew gently below or just at the boiling point
simmer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on simmer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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