boil

Definition

To boil means to heat a liquid until it reaches the temperature where bubbles rise and steam forms. It can also mean to cook food in boiling water, or for a liquid itself to reach that state.

Usage & Nuances

As a verb, it can be transitive ('boil water') or intransitive ('the water is boiling'). For cooking, English often says 'boil eggs', 'boil potatoes', or 'bring to a boil'. Don't confuse it with 'bake' or 'fry'.

Example Sentences