rolling boil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rolling boil" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in cooking to describe a vigorous boiling state of water or other liquids, where large bubbles continuously rise to the surface. Example: "Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook for 10 minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Food Preparation

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bring to rolling boil.

The New York Times - Food

1. Bring 5 to 6 quarts water to rolling boil.

The New York Times - Food

Over high heat, bring to a rolling boil.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cook at full rolling boil exactly 17 minutes.

The New York Times

2. Bring 6 quarts water to rolling boil.

The New York Times - Food

In recent days, the talk has reached a rolling boil.

The New York Times

When the mixture is smooth and nicely combined, bring to a rolling boil.

Princeton University

3. When the pasta water comes to a rolling boil, add the pasta.

The New York Times - Health

Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute.

Forbes

Bring to rolling boil over medium heat.

Los Angeles Times

Remove the bowl when water comes to a rolling boil.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When a recipe calls for a "rolling boil", ensure the liquid maintains continuous bubbling even when stirred. This indicates it's at the right temperature for the next step.

Common error

Don't mistake a gentle simmer for a "rolling boil". A simmer has small, infrequent bubbles, while a "rolling boil" features vigorous, continuous bubbling across the surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rolling boil" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a verb, such as "bring to a rolling boil". It describes a specific state of boiling liquid characterized by vigorous bubbling, as evidenced in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

33%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rolling boil" is a common and correct term, as confirmed by Ludwig, primarily used in cooking contexts. It describes a vigorous boiling state crucial for many recipes. While alternatives like "rapid boil" or "full boil" exist, understanding the visual difference between a "rolling boil" and a simmer is key to achieving optimal results in cooking. Ensure continuous bubbling even when stirred. Ludwig's examples showcase its widespread use across various sources, including cooking guides and news articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vigorous boiling

Emphasizes the intensity and activity of the boiling process.

rapid boil

Focuses on the speed and quickness of the boiling action.

full boil

Highlights that the liquid has reached its maximum boiling point.

heavy boil

Describes the turbulent and forceful nature of the boiling.

simmering furiously

Captures the sustained bubbling and agitation of the liquid.

constant bubbling

Highlights the continuous formation and bursting of bubbles.

high boil

Simple alternative that focuses on the high temperature

intense boiling

Stresses the power and strength of the boiling process.

boiling point

This term refers to the specific temperature at which a liquid starts to boil vigorously.

agitated boiling

This captures the sense of something being disturbed and moving rapidly

FAQs

How can I tell if my liquid has reached a "rolling boil"?

A "rolling boil" is characterized by large bubbles that continuously rise and break on the surface, even when the liquid is stirred. It's a more vigorous boil than a simmer.

Is a "rolling boil" the same as a full boil?

Yes, a "rolling boil" is essentially the same as a "full boil". Both terms describe the state when a liquid is boiling vigorously.

Why do some recipes specify a "rolling boil" instead of just 'boil'?

Specifying a "rolling boil" ensures that the liquid is at a high enough temperature for the intended cooking process, such as cooking pasta or thickening a sauce. A gentle boil may not provide sufficient heat.

What should I do if my pot isn't reaching a "rolling boil"?

Ensure that you're using a high enough heat setting on your stove. Also, make sure the pot isn't overcrowded, as this can lower the water temperature. If needed, use a larger pot or reduce the amount of liquid.