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
The next big wave of change in the grocery sector is simmering on the sidelines as Albertsons and Kroger look to merge. Samantha Gowen, Orange County Register, 1 Mar. 2024 But Democratic discord simmered beneath the pleasantries at the Feb. 23 decapod dinner. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Once the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings and finish the dish as directed. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 The episode laid bare a simmering political dispute in one of the most volatile corners of Central America, in which Belize, Central America’s least populous country with only about half a million people, is pitted against Guatemala, the region’s giant with a population of 18 million. Simon Romero Alejandro Cegarra, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2024 Winter is often a comforting time of year—cozy clothes, roaring fireplaces, simmering soups—but the cold, dry weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Korin Miller, Health, 14 Feb. 2024 The tensions simmered for months amid disagreements over halting mobilization efforts and military priorities competing with the political need to show allies progress. Marc Santora, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024 The broth is a days-long process that starts with simmering beef knuckle bones, chicken bones and short rib bones for hours. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Related Articles Lebanese recipe for roasted cauliflower with tahini citrus sauce Stir in the black beans, brown sugar and lime juice and continue to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes more. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2024
Noun
Uncover, add enough water to cover the cauliflower by about an inch, bring to a simmer, then turn down to low and cook for 20 minutes, until the cauliflower begins to break down. Sara Franklin, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 As any chef will tell you, a slow simmer is sometimes vital to developing truly intense flavor. Vivienne Peters; Photos By Judy Revenaugh, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024 Bring heavy cream and bourbon just to a simmer in a saucepan over medium. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2023 Return pork belly to pot and lower heat to a simmer. Judy Bart Kancigor, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 Add the broth, bouillon, thyme, sage, bay leaves, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 Bring to a simmer and cook the stew, partially covered, until the squash is tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2024 When the onions begin sticking to the bottom of the pot, raise the heat to medium-high, pour in the stock, and bring to a simmer. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2024 Bring to a bare simmer, stirring until gelatin has dissolved. Adriene Rathbun, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2024

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 19 Mar. 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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