simmer Hear it!

simmer Definition

sim·mer (simər)

intransitive verb

  1. to remain at or just below the boiling point, usually forming tiny bubbles with a low, murmuring sound
  2. to be about to break out, as in anger, revolt, etc.

Etymology: earlier simper < LME simperen: orig. echoic

transitive verb

  1. to keep (a liquid) at or just below the boiling point
  2. to cook in such a liquid

noun

the state of simmering

simmer Idioms

simmer down

  1. to condense by simmering, as a liquid
  2. ☆ to become calm; cool off

simmer Synonyms

simmer

v.

  1. To boil

    seethe, stew, cook; see boil 1, cook.

  2. To be angry

    seethe, fret, fume; see fume, rage 1. See syn. study at boil.

simmer Usage Examples

Object

  • discontent: This strike ignited the simmering discontent that surrounds low pay in the public sector.
  • resentment: Hollingsworth's anger was matched by Lis Howell's simmering resentment toward her one-time masters at GMTV.
  • tension: It brought views held behind closed doors into the open, and revealed the simmering tensions in the UK on the matter.
  • sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • anger: The attempt to dehumanize proletarians produced a simmering anger which sometimes boiled over into social unrest.
  • water: Keep them warm in a low oven or over a pan of simmering water, with a tent of foil over them.

Preposition: on

  • stove: Our first dinner aboard was simmering on the stove.
  • heat: Add water to suit, bring to the boil then simmer on lowest heat possible.

Preposition: over

heat: Bring mixture to the boil, then simmer gently over a low heat for about five minutes.

Particle object:

heat: Add shallots and simmer over low heat for 5 to 6 minutes.

Modifying Another Word

gently: Bring to boil, simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Preposition: until

  • tender: Bring to the boil, cover and simmer until almost tender, about 10 minutes.
  • sauce: Strain the mixture into a clean saucepan and simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • vegetable: Bring to the boil and simmer gently until the vegetables are tender.
  • potato: Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are cooked through but still hold their shape.
  • mixture: Add the caustic soda and continue to simmer until the mixture becomes honey colored.

Preposition: with

lid: Bring to the boil then simmer with the lid on for about 10 mins.

Preposition: for

  • min: Bring to the boil, simmer for 15 mins.
  • minute: Bring to the boil, simmer for 25 minutes, then add the potatoes.
  • hour: Cover with a lid, bring to the boil, then simmer very gently for 1-1 1/2 hours.