boiler

[ boi-ler ]

noun

1. a closed vessel or arrangement of vessels and tubes, together with a furnace or other heat source, in which steam or other vapor is generated from water to drive turbines or engines, supply heat, process certain materials, etc. Compare fire-tube boiler, water-tube boiler.
2. a vessel, as a kettle, for boiling boil boiling or heating.
3. British. a large tub in which laundry is boiled boil or sterilized.
4. a tank in which water is heated and stored, as for supplying hot water.

boiler

/ ˈbɔɪlə /

noun

1. a closed vessel or arrangement of enclosed tubes in which water is heated to supply steam to drive an engine or turbine or provide heat
2. a domestic device burning solid fuel, gas, or oil, to provide hot water, esp for central heating
3. a large tub for boiling laundry
4. a tough old chicken for cooking by boiling

Other Words From

• boiler·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of boiler¹

First recorded in 1530–40; boil ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Plus, increased energy efficiency ought to cut carbon emissions from homes, especially if property owners switch away from gas or oil-fired boilers, for example.

From BBC

"Wood hid his disappearance by stuffing a boiler suit full of clothing and using a pumpkin as a head," he said.

From BBC

The home’s boiler was serviced in July this year, a flue was replaced, and it passed checks, the BBC understands.

From BBC

A fireman first class, he worked next to the boilers that powered the World War I-era ship.

From Los Angeles Times

Housing associations also say too many of these homes have gas boilers, which don't fit their plans to be more environmentally friendly.

From BBC

Related Words

• cooker
• heater
• kiln
• microwave
• oven