smolder

verb

smol·​der ˈsmōl-dər How to pronounce smolder (audio)
variants or smoulder
smoldered or smouldered; smoldering or smouldering ˈsmōl-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce smolder (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to burn sluggishly, without flame, and often with much smoke
b
: to be consumed by smoldering
often used with out
2
: to exist in a state of suppressed activity
hostilities smoldered for years
3
: to show suppressed anger, hate, or jealousy
eyes smoldering with hate

Examples of smolder in a Sentence

The remains of the campfire smoldered. Her eyes smoldered with anger. Anger smoldered in my heart.
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.
Their arrival was like pouring gasoline on a smoldering fire—igniting a brutal fifteen-year civil war that devastated the country. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 An intriguing nose with smoldering earth and graphite that has crunchy blackberry and red currant fruit on the palate with the enticing aroma of a lit cigar ruminating in one’s head for several seconds after the finish. Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Video released by the Oakland Fire Department on social media platform X earlier Friday showed firefighters hosing down a smoldering front lawn and flames showing from the roof of a home. Tenzin Shakya, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2024 Throughout the romantic drama, Tita and Pedro’s chemistry continues to heighten, which allows the longing between the characters to smolder across the years. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for smolder 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English smolderen to smother, from smolder smoke, smudge; akin to Middle Dutch smōlen to smolder

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of smolder was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near smolder

Cite this Entry

“Smolder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smolder. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

smolder

1 of 2 noun
smol·​der
variants or smoulder
ˈsmōl-dər
: a slow smoky fire

smolder

2 of 2 verb
variants or smoulder
smoldered or smouldered; smoldering or smouldering
-d(ə-)riŋ
1
: to burn slowly with smoke and usually without flame
fire was smoldering in the pit
2
: to exist or continue in a hidden or controlled state
discontent smoldered for years before the revolt
3
: to burn inwardly
anger smoldered in my heart
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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