smolder

verb

smol·​der ˈsmōl-dər How to pronounce smolder (audio)
variants or smoulder
smoldered or smouldered; smoldering or smouldering ˈsmōl-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce smolder (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to burn sluggishly, without flame, and often with much smoke
b
: to be consumed by smoldering
often used with out
2
: to exist in a state of suppressed activity
hostilities smoldered for years
3
: to show suppressed anger, hate, or jealousy
eyes smoldering with hate

Examples of smolder in a Sentence

The remains of the campfire smoldered. Her eyes smoldered with anger. Anger smoldered in my heart.
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.
Air quality concerns Unfortunately, Zehr said any smoke being output by smoldering fires, when combined with light winds, can lead to pollutants being trapped rather than dispersed, creating unhealthy air quality concerns. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025 As the worst disaster raged around them, hired hands kept working to pay the bills Jan. 9, 2025 By Thursday, neighborhoods still smoldered for miles up and down the Pacific Coast Highway, more than 5,000 homes and businesses scorched. Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can affect those who are in close proximity to smoldering fires. Omer Awan, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 Images of the area show scorched earth and smoldering terrain across Los Angeles County. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for smolder 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English smolderen to smother, from smolder smoke, smudge; akin to Middle Dutch smōlen to smolder

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of smolder was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near smolder

Cite this Entry

“Smolder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smolder. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

smolder

1 of 2 noun
smol·​der
variants or smoulder
ˈsmōl-dər
: a slow smoky fire

smolder

2 of 2 verb
variants or smoulder
smoldered or smouldered; smoldering or smouldering
-d(ə-)riŋ
1
: to burn slowly with smoke and usually without flame
fire was smoldering in the pit
2
: to exist or continue in a hidden or controlled state
discontent smoldered for years before the revolt
3
: to burn inwardly
anger smoldered in my heart
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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