What does simmering mean?
Simmering is the gentle, steady cooking technique that keeps food just below a rolling boil. It also serves as a vivid metaphor for emotions or tensions that remain contained but are far from gone. Saying that anger is simmering suggests it is growing quietly, with the possibility of eruption. The expression can describe literal heat, as in a simmering sauce, and figurative unease, as in simmering resentment or political tension. The word is especially useful because it captures an intermediate state between calm and open conflict. In conversation it often adds a restrained, ominous quality, while in a recipe it signals patience and concentrated flavor. Whether describing a pot or a troubled relationship, simmering makes quiet intensity immediately visible.
Cooking gently and steadily at a temperature just below boiling; figuratively, barely contained but developing.
"A simmering sauce filled the kitchen with a rich aroma."
The figurative adjective is commonly used with anger, resentment, tension, and conflict.
To cook gently and steadily just below boiling; figuratively, to remain in a state of contained but developing feeling or tension.
"The sauce was simmering on the back of the stove."
The literal meaning is common in culinary contexts; the figurative meaning is widely used in descriptions of anger and social or political tension.
The process of cooking gently just below boiling, or a figurative condition of restrained but developing feeling.
"The slow simmering of the sauce allowed the flavors to blend."
The noun is usually uncountable and is less common than the adjectival and verbal uses.
The noun is normally uncountable; the plural is rare.
"Long simmerings can deepen the flavor of a stew."
A simmer is low heat; a simmering grudge is emotional pressure building without a visible flame.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How simmering is actually used
The word is neutral in register. Its figurative use is especially common for anger, resentment, tension, and conflict that has not openly erupted; it can therefore carry an ominous or restrained connotation.
Easily confused with simmering
To simmer is to cook gently in liquid near boiling, whereas to smoulder is to burn slowly without visible flames, often producing smoke.