# aboil

CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aboil
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to be in a state of great excitement or activity. It is an old-fashioned way to say that something is happening very quickly and with a lot of energy.

For teachers: to be in a state of great excitement, activity, or rapid motion. Often used in the passive voice to describe a situation that is in full swing.

## Examples

- The crowd was aboil with excitement.
- The city was aboil with activity as thousands of people gathered for the festival.
- The political landscape was aboil with speculation following the unexpected resignation of the prime minister, leading to a sudden shift in public opinion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.