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
Synonyms of simmernext

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

Synonyms of simmer

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Verb

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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
The post rekindles tensions between the two leaders that have been simmering for months. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 6 July 2026 And what else simmers beneath the surface in this tense family drama? — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Noun
Be sure to decrease your flame to a low simmer while cooking your potatoes to keep them tender and intact. — Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 Lower the heat to a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are just slightly tender when pierced with a fork or knife. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing simmer

Rhymes for simmer

See All Rhymes for simmer

Browse Nearby Words

Simmental
simmer
simmer down
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simmer. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of simmer for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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