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.
Add enough water to cover the cranberries then bring to a boil over high heat. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024 But a simmering undercurrent of Democratic uneasiness dramatically boiled over after a shocking debate performance in late June, when a frail and distracted-looking Biden delivered raspy, halting and inarticulate answers versus Trump. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024 Earlier this month, the tension boiled over when a vocal group of neighbors blasted a popular flea market in public meetings and on social media, leading the event’s founder to shut it down permanently. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 In a small saucepan combine the 1 cup butter and water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near boil over

Cite this Entry

“Boil over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boil%20over. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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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