What does simmered mean?
Simmered is the past tense and past participle of simmer. In cooking, it means that food has been kept at a temperature just below boiling, allowing its flavors to develop and its ingredients to become tender. The verb often suggests gentle, prolonged cooking rather than vigorous boiling. Figuratively, “simmered” can describe anger, resentment, or tension that remains contained but gradually grows stronger, as in “resentment simmered among the workers.” The word is common in both British and American English and is usually used with food, liquids, sauces, or dishes. It can also describe a person’s emotional state, especially when frustration or anger is being held in check. As an adjective, “simmered” may describe food that has been gently boiled or a conflict that has quietly developed.
To cook food at a temperature just below boiling.
"The onions simmered in olive oil until they were soft and golden."
Usually transitive when referring to a dish and intransitive when describing food cooking in liquid.
To remain in a state of subdued anger, anxiety, or tension.
"Frustration simmered in the office after the announcement."
Figurative use often implies that the feeling is gradually intensifying while remaining outwardly restrained.
Cooked gently at a temperature just below boiling.
"She served the simmered vegetables with grilled fish."
This use is less common than the verbal forms and is mainly found in descriptions of food.
Existing in a state of restrained but persistent tension or anger.
"The article addressed the simmering dispute within the department."
Figurative use typically describes conflicts, feelings, or problems that have not yet openly erupted.
A simmering dispute may stay outwardly calm while its heat and tension continue to build.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does simmered come from?
The word comes from the verb “simmer,” which in cooking refers to cooking food at a gentle boil. Its culinary sense developed from the idea of water being kept hot without a full rolling boil. The verb was also extended figuratively to describe restrained but persistent feelings of anger or tension. “Simmered” is the regular past-tense and participial form of that inherited English verb.
Related word forms
How simmered is actually used
In culinary contexts, “simmered” describes food cooked at a gentle boil. Figuratively, it commonly describes emotions or disputes that develop gradually while remaining restrained.