boil over

verb

boiled over; boiling over; boils over

intransitive verb

1
: to overflow while boiling
2
: to become so incensed as to lose one's temper
boilover noun

Examples of boil over in a Sentence

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.
Stir in stock, meatballs, cannellini beans, and Parmesan cheese rind; bring to a boil over medium-high. Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 13 July 2025 The situation boiled over in Los Angeles in June after the president deployed the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to quell protests calling for abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 3 July 2025 Meanwhile, as Iran-Israel tensions boiled over, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon had diverted anti-drone systems from Ukraine to the Middle East. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 But Hassett has sharpened his criticism of the Fed and Powell as Trump’s own tensions with the Fed chair boil over. Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for boil over

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boil over was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boil over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boil%20over. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

boil over

verb
1
: to overflow while boiling
2
: to become so angry as to lose one's temper

More from Merriam-Webster on boil over

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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