Boil — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈbȯi(-ə)l/

Meaning & Definition of Boil

Boil (verb)

  1. to come to the boiling point
  2. to generate bubbles of vapor when heated —used of a liquid
  3. to cook in boiling water

Boil (noun)

  1. 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
  2. the act or state of boiling
  3. a swirling upheaval (as of water)
  4. a boiled dish of seafood, vegetables, and seasonings; also, a gathering at which this dish is served

Boil (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a small, inflamed swelling of the skin

    "the dermatologist lanced the infected boil that had formed on the patient's neck"

    similar: fester, hickey, papule, pimple, pock, pustule, whelk, zit (slang)
    related: blackhead, blister, milium, whitehead, bump, lump, protuberance, sore, wart, weal, welt

Boil (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger

    "the passengers were boiling when they found out the flight was delayed yet again"

    similar: burn, foam, fume, rage, rankle, seethe, sizzle, steam, storm, see red
    related: fulminate, rant, rave, smolder, bristle, flare (up), inflame, chafe, fret, stew, agitate, convulse, roil, shake

  2. to cook in a liquid heated to the point that it gives off steam

    "boil the potatoes until they are tender before you try to mash them"

    similar: coddle, parboil, poach, simmer, stew
    related: scald, braise, fricassee, pressure-cook, smother, steam, reboil

  3. to be in a state of violent rolling motion

    "the sea boiled and frothed during the storm"

    similar: churn, moil, roil, seethe
    related: reel, spin, swirl, whirl, agitate, stir
    near: abate, calm, subside

Related Entry: Boil down (verb)

Boil down is a different word from Boil. The synonyms below are for boil down, not for boil.

  1. to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)

    "the discussion of the problem can be boiled down to a couple of critical points"

    similar: abstract, brief, digest, encapsulate, epitomize, outline, recap, recapitulate, reprise, sum up, summarize, synopsize, wrap up
    related: abridge, condense, curtail, cut back, shorten, downsize, shrink, concentrate, consolidate, decoct, essentialize, simplify, streamline
    near: elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract, amplify, elaborate (on or upon), enlarge (on or upon), expand, supplement

Related Entry: Boil over (verb)

Boil over is a different word from Boil. The synonyms below are for boil over, not for boil.

  1. as in run over, well (up)

    similar: run over, spill, well (up), overfill, overflow, flow, flush, gush, pour, sluice, spout, spurt, stream, deluge, drown, engulf, flood, inundate, overwhelm, submerge, submerse, swamp, wash (over), brim, cascade, slop, slosh
    opposite: recede

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Boil

The most common words with a similar meaning to Boil:

Slang: zit
fester, hickey, papule, pimple, pock, pustule, whelk, burn, foam, fume, rage, rankle, seethe, sizzle, steam, storm, coddle, parboil, poach, simmer, stew, churn, moil, roil, see red

Related Words for Boil

blackhead, blister, milium, whitehead, bump, lump, protuberance, sore, wart, weal, welt, fulminate, rant, rave, smolder, bristle, flare (up), inflame, chafe, fret, agitate, convulse, shake, scald, braise, fricassee, pressure-cook, smother, reboil, reel

Near Antonyms of Boil

abate, calm, subside

Word Forms of Boil

Inflections: boiled, boiling, boils

Derived words: boilable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Boil

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

First known use: 14th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Boil

Words & Phrases Containing Boil

boil down, boil over, boil away, boil up, hard-boil, make someone's blood boil, off the boil

Frequently Asked Questions about Boil

What does "Boil" mean?

"Boil" means to come to the boiling point. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to come to the boiling point. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Boil"?

Other words for "Boil" include fester, hickey, papule, pimple, pock, pustule, whelk and zit. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Boil" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Boil"?

There are 60 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Boil". Common alternatives include fester, hickey, papule, pimple, pock, pustule, whelk, zit, burn and foam.

How do you use "Boil" in a sentence?

Examples of "Boil" in a sentence: "the dermatologist lanced the infected boil that had formed on the patient's neck"; "the passengers were boiling when they found out the flight was delayed yet again"; "boil the potatoes until they are tender before you try to mash them".

Is "Boil" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Boil" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Boil" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Boil" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Boil"?

"Boil" is pronounced /ˈbȯi(-ə)l/.

What is the origin of the word "Boil"?

"Boil" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French buillir, boillir, from Latin bullire to bubble, from bulla bubble. First known use: 14th centuryi.