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.
That deal was previously derailed after tensions boiled over between Trump, Vance and Zelensky during an Oval Office meeting last month. Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025 Bring to a boil over medium low heat, stirring frequently. Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 15 Apr. 2025 Frustration boiled over in the crowd as Grassley struggled to clarify his stance. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 15 Apr. 2025 Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high, then reduce to a simmer over medium-low. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 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 25 Apr. 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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