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boil

verb
\ ˈbȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce boil (audio) \
boiled; boiling; boils

Definition of boil

 (Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1a : to come to the boiling point
b : to generate bubbles of vapor when heated —used of a liquid
c : to cook in boiling water
2 : to become agitated : seethe
3 : to be moved, excited, or stirred up
4a : to rush headlong
b : to burst forth
5 : to undergo the action of a boiling liquid

transitive verb

1 : to subject to the action of a boiling liquid
2 : to heat to the boiling point
3 : to form or separate (something, such as sugar or salt) by boiling

boil

noun (1)

Definition of boil (Entry 2 of 3)

: a localized swelling and inflammation of the skin resulting from infection of a hair follicle and adjacent tissue, having a hard central core, and forming pus

boil

noun (2)

Definition of boil (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : the act or state of boiling
2 : a swirling upheaval (as of water)
3 : a boiled dish of seafood, vegetables, and seasonings a crab boil also : a gathering at which this dish is served
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Other Words from boil

Verb

boilable \ ˈbȯi-​lÉ™-​bÉ™l How to pronounce boilable (audio) \ adjective

Synonyms for boil

Synonyms: Verb

burn, foam, fume, rage, rankle, seethe, sizzle, steam, storm

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Examples of boil in a Sentence

Verb

 Keep the temperature low enough so the mixture will not boil. a pot of boiling water french fries cooked in boiling oil
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First Known Use of boil

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for boil

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French buillir, boillir, from Latin bullire to bubble, from bulla bubble

Noun (1)

Middle English, alteration of bile, from Old English bȳl; akin to Old High German pūlla bladder

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More Definitions for boil

boil

verb
How to pronounce boil (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of boil

: to become so hot that bubbles are formed in a liquid and rise to the top
: to heat (a liquid or a container with liquid in it) so that bubbles are formed and rise to the top
: to cook (something) in water that is boiling

See the full definition for boil in the English Language Learners Dictionary

boil

noun
\ ˈbȯil How to pronounce boil (audio) \

Kids Definition of boil

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: a red painful lump in the skin that contains pus and is caused by infection

boil

verb
boiled; boiling

Kids Definition of boil (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : to heat or become heated to the temperature ( boiling point ) at which bubbles rise and break at the surface boil water
2 : to cook or become cooked in boiling water boil eggs Let the stew boil slowly.
3 : to feel angry or upset The crowd boiled in frustration.

boil

noun

Kids Definition of boil (Entry 3 of 3)

: the state of something that is boiling

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