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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Cauliflower-Broccoli Tajine with Hearts of Palm Rice Bold flavors popular in Morocco — ginger, garlic, saffron, cumin and other spices, as well as lemon pieces — simmer with the broccoli, cauliflower and sweet potato. Yakir Levy, Oc Register, 2 Apr. 2025 Reduce the heat and simmer gently, covered, for 1 hour. 2: Strain and discard the vegetables. Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
Create a Mini Simmer Pot For an extra-cozy candle alternative, make a mini simmer pot to place under the lamp in place of a candle. Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2025 Set the pot over medium heat and simmer until the juices reduce slightly. Beth Dooley, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for simmer

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simmer. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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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