boil down

verb

boiled down; boiling down; boils down

transitive verb

1
: to reduce in bulk by boiling
2
: condense, summarize
boil down a report

intransitive verb

1
: to undergo reduction in bulk by boiling
2
a
: to be equivalent in summary : amount
his speech boiled down to a plea for more money
b
: to reduce ultimately
your choices boil down to three

Examples of boil down in a Sentence

the discussion of the problem can be boiled down to a couple of critical points
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The three dominant options boiled down to Gyokeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, and Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 25 July 2025 Lauren Riley, the chief sustainability officer at United, boiled down the business case for climate work in the simple terms of one of the company’s biggest costs: fuel. Justin Worland, Time, 25 July 2025 As recently reported by EW, Damon's departure boiled down to scheduling conflicts. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 July 2025 The deal boils down to a policy choice, with the city sacrificing immediate profits in favor of residential units for low-income families. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for boil down

Word History

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boil down was in 1723

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Cite this Entry

“Boil down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boil%20down. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

boil down

verb
: to reduce or become reduced by or as if by boiling
let the sauce boil down
boil down a report
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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