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.
And more importantly, why now? Malone led Denver to its first NBA title in 2023 but was fired along with general manager Calvin Booth on April 8 after behind-the-scenes tensions between Malone and Booth boiled over. William Guillory, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Earlier this month, the feud boiled over with the release of a Red Bull Spiral Freestyle with Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul, and Big Sean. Filmed earlier this year, Joey used the opportunity to keep the beef fresh, boldly taking aim at his West Coast opponents on the same stage as their TDE labelmate. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 May 2025 War is brewing on one continent and boiling over on another. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 May 2025 Add 12-14 (1/4-inch-thick) seeded lemon slices, and bring to a boil over medium-high; do not stir. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 May 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 30 May. 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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