boil

/bɔɪ(ə)l/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: boils · boiling · boiled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

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

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

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

Noun

Examples

Add the noodles when the water comes to the boil.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An instance of boiling.

Noun

Examples

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

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To heat to the point where it begins to turn into a gas.

Verb

Examples

Boil some water in a pan.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “boil” mean?

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

Is “boil” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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