Definition

To heat a liquid until it bubbles and boils too much, causing it to overflow or spill over.

Example

Be careful not to overboil the pasta, or it will become mushy.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I accidentally let the pasta overboil again while I was distracted.

Oh no! That can be such a mess to clean up.

Yeah, I really need to pay more attention next time.

Maybe set a timer to help you out!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overboil → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "boil" (from Old English "bylgian", meaning to bubble or seethe). The word describes the act of boiling something excessively or beyond the point of boiling.

Memory Tip

Think of something bubbling 'excessively' ('over-') — that's why overboil means to boil too much.

Visually Confused Words