boiler

American  

[boi-ler] / ˈbɔɪ lər /

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.

2. a vessel, as a kettle, for boiling or heating.

3. British. a large tub in which laundry is boiled or sterilized.

4. a tank in which water is heated and stored, as for supplying hot water.

---

boiler British  

/ 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 Word Forms

Derived Forms

• boilerless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of boiler

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

Example Sentences

Boiler Juice, an intermediary website which took the order on behalf of supplier Tincknell Fuels, said the industry aimed to prioritise deliveries for vulnerable customers and urged the Weetmans to get in touch.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a grant of £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump, for homeowners in England and Wales.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

Imagine the visual explosion of the Sphere in Las Vegas with the intimacy of a Boiler Room set, all inside a cube-shaped structure.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2025

Parker Boiler also buys temperature controls and other products from Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2024

But Benjamin pushed her aside and in the midst of a deadly silence he read: “ ‘Alfred Simmonds, Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler, Willingdon.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

Related Words

• heater
• heating system
• incinerator
• kiln
• stove