(with reference to a liquid) reach or cause to reach the temperature at which it bubbles and turns to vapour

we asked people to boil their drinking water

he waited for the water to boil

(with reference to food) cook or be cooked by immersing in boiling water or stock

boil the potatoes until well done

you can put the salad together while the pasta is boiling

(of the sea or clouds) be turbulent and stormy

she stood gazing out of the lighthouse window as the sea boiled beneath her

the temperature at which a liquid bubbles and turns to vapour

bring the sauce to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes

a casual outdoor meal at which shellfish is prepared by boiling

the reappearance of warm days signals another revival: weekend crawfish boils

an inflamed pus-filled swelling on the skin, caused typically by the infection of a hair follicle