An Encylopedia Britannica Company

boil

1 boil /ˈbojəl/ verb
boils; boiled; boiling
1 boil
/ˈbojəl/
verb
boils; boiled; boiling
Britannica Dictionary definition of BOIL
[no object] : to become so hot that bubbles are formed in a liquid and rise to the top
[+ object] : 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
[+ object]
[no object]
[no object] : to feel a strong emotion (such as anger) + with

a watched pot never boils

◊ The expression a watched pot never boils means that time passes very slowly when you are waiting for something to happen if that is the only thing you are thinking about.

boil down

[phrasal verb]
: to become reduced in amount by boiling
boil (something) down or boil down (something) : to reduce the amount of (a liquid) by boiling it
boil (something) down or boil down (something) : to make (something) short or simple by removing the parts that are not important or necessary
boil down to (something) : to have (something) as the main or basic part

boil over

[phrasal verb]
: to flow over the side of a container while boiling
: to become violent or to lose control because of anger
: to change into something more violent

boil up

[phrasal verb]
: to grow toward a dangerous level

make someone's blood boil

see blood
2 boil /ˈbojəl/ noun
plural boils
2 boil
/ˈbojəl/
noun
plural boils
Britannica Dictionary definition of BOIL
[singular] of a liquid : the act or state of boiling
[count] US : a dish of shellfish, vegetables, and spices that is cooked by boiling
also : a party at which this dish is served

off the boil

British, informal
: into a state that is less good than before

on the boil

British, informal
: in a state of activity or development
compare 3boil
3 boil /ˈbojəl/ noun
plural boils
3 boil
/ˈbojəl/
noun
plural boils
Britannica Dictionary definition of BOIL
[count]
: a painful, swollen area under the skin that is caused by infection
compare 2boil