Definition of "boil" in English

noun

1. A localized accumulation of pus in the skin, resulting from infection.

noun

1. The point at which fluid begins to change to a vapour; the boiling point.

   • Add the noodles when the water comes to the boil.

2. An instance of boiling.

   • Surface water will do, but give it a good boil before drinking it.

3. A dish of boiled food, especially seafood.

   • a down-home boil with plenty of crab

4. (US) A social event at which people gather to boil and eat food, especially seafood. (Compare a bake or clambake.)

   • a down-home boil at the town hall

5. (rare, nonstandard) The collective noun for a group of hawks.

6. (archaic) A bubbling.

verb

1. (transitive, of liquids) To heat to the point where it begins to turn into a gas.

   • Boil some water in a pan.

2. (ambitransitive) To cook in boiling water.

   • Boil the eggs for three minutes.
   • Is the rice boiling yet?

3. (intransitive, of liquids) To begin to turn into a gas, seethe.

   • Pure water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

4. (transitive, UK, informal) To bring to a boil, to heat so as to cause the contents to boil.

5. (intransitive, informal, used only in progressive tenses, of weather) To be uncomfortably hot.

   • It’s boiling outside!

6. (intransitive, informal, used only in progressive tenses) To feel uncomfortably hot.

   • I’m boiling in here – could you open the window?

7. (transitive) To form, or separate, by boiling or evaporation.

   • to boil sugar or salt

8. (obsolete) To steep or soak in warm water.

9. (intransitive, of liquids) To be agitated like boiling water; to bubble; to effervesce.

   • the boiling waves of the sea

10. To be moved or excited with passion; to be hot or fervid.

    • His blood boils with anger.