Boiling

/ˈbɔɪlɪŋ/ · verb

Meaning

present participle and gerund of boil.

Definitions by Sense

1. present participle and gerund of boil
2. (uncountable, countable) The process of changing the state of a substance from liquid to gas by heating it to its boiling point.
3. (uncountable, countable) The cooking (of food) or cleaning (of an object) by immersing it in liquid (usually water) that is boiling.
4. (countable, figurative) A turmoil; a disturbance like that of bubbling water.
5. (uncountable, figurative) An animation style with constantly changing wavy outlines, giving a shimmering or wobbling appearance.
6. That boils or boil.
7. (informal, hyperbolic) Of a thing: extremely hot or active.
8. (informal, hyperbolic) Of a person: feeling uncomfortably hot.

Example Sentences

boiling kettle  boiling oil

The radiator is boiling – I’m going to turn it down a bit.

With a little manœuvring they contrived to meet on the doorstep which now, in mid-morning, was in a boiling stream of passers-by, hurrying business people speeding past in a flurry of fumes and dust in the bright haze.

As I collected some individuals from a nest, an alarm was sent and a boiling mass of ants issued from the colony.

I’m boiling – can’t we open a window?

It’s boiling out today!

He was boiling mad.

Synonyms for boiling

Antonyms for boiling

Related Words

Word Forms

• boilings
• more boiling
• most boiling

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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