First Known Use: 1653
Dictionary
1simmer
verb sim·mer \ˈsi-mər\
: to cook (something) so that it is almost boiling for a certain period of time
: to be filled with a strong feeling that is difficult to control or hide
: to be felt strongly by someone without being directly shown or expressed
sim·meredsim·mer·ing \ˈsi-mə-riŋ, ˈsim-riŋ\
Full Definition of SIMMER
intransitive verb
1
: to stew gently below or just at the boiling point
2
transitive verb
: to cook slowly in a liquid just below the boiling point
See simmer defined for English-language learners
See simmer defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SIMMER
alteration of English dialect simper, from Middle English simperen, of imitative origin
2simmer
noun
: a state of simmering : a way of cooking that is close to boiling
Full Definition of SIMMER
: the state of simmering
See simmer defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SIMMER
1809
SIMMER Defined for Kids
simmer
verb sim·mer \ˈsi-mər\
sim·meredsim·mer·ing
Definition of SIMMER for Kids
1
: to cook gently at or just below the boiling point
2
: to be on the point of bursting out with violence or anger
Learn More About SIMMER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: simmer downPrevious Word in the Dictionary: SimmentalAll Words Near: simmer
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up simmer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).