verb
Uncommon
simmer
SIH-muh
Simmer (verb) means to cook gently in liquid just below boiling point. Example: “Let the sauce simmer for twenty minutes, stirring occasionally.”
verb
1
To cook gently in liquid just below boiling point.
"Let the sauce simmer for twenty minutes, stirring occasionally."
"She simmered the stock for hours to draw out the flavour."
2
To be filled with barely controlled anger or excitement.
"Resentment had been simmering in the office for weeks before it boiled over."
noun
1
The state of cooking gently just below boiling.
"Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat."
How to use simmer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cook gently just below boiling, or to be quietly building up anger or tension.
Common mistake
Don't confuse a "simmer" (gentle bubbling) with a full "boil" — simmering is much gentler and slower.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
bring to a simmer
simmer down
simmering tension
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Word forms
- Plural
- simmers
- Third person singular
- simmers
- Past tense
- simmered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Let the sauce _____ for twenty minutes, stirring occasionally.
Etymology
Likely an alteration of the older word "simper" in the sense "to make a faint bubbling sound," first recorded in cookery in the late 1400s.
Class of 1400
simmer joined the language around 1400.
See the full Class of 1400 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for simmer
See all rhymes for simmer →Frequently asked questions
What does “simmer” mean?
The word “simmer” means to cook gently in liquid just below boiling point. In plain terms, to cook gently just below boiling, or to be quietly building up anger or tension.
How do you pronounce “simmer”?
“Simmer” is pronounced SIH-muh (/ˈsɪmɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “simmer” in a sentence?
Here is “simmer” used in a sentence: “Let the sauce simmer for twenty minutes, stirring occasionally.”
What part of speech is “simmer”?
Depending on how it is used, “simmer” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “simmer” come from?
The word “simmer” dates back to around 1400. Likely an alteration of the older word "simper" in the sense "to make a faint bubbling sound," first recorded in cookery in the late 1400s.
Is “simmer” a common word?
“Simmer” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “simmer” have?
“Simmer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cook gently in liquid just below boiling point.
