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

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."

To be filled with barely controlled anger or excitement.

"Resentment had been simmering in the office for weeks before it boiled over."

noun

The state of cooking gently just below boiling.

"Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat."

How to use simmer

Learner’s notes

In 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.

Common pairings

bring to a simmer simmer down simmering tension

Word forms

simmered past tense, simmers plural, Simmers plural, Simmers plural, simmers singular

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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.

· First attested 1400

Class of 1400 simmer joined the language around 1400.

Cameroon ghost hardheaded luck mister

See the full Class of 1400 →

Rhymes for simmer

rimmer Zimmer dimmer swimmer glimmer shimmer trimmer slimmer brimmer

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.