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

There are neither enough electrical heaters or boilers, nor extra electricity to make up for gas.

From Time

With a goal of zeroing-out planet-warming emissions by 2035, the city knows 20 percent of local fossil fuels come from natural gas flowing through buildings to power water heaters, furnaces and boilers and flame stove tops.

From Voice of San Diego

Switch from a gas boiler to a low carbon alternative, such as a heat pump or generate your own renewable energy by installing solar panels.

From Digiday

Consider the noise levelThe process of humidification usually requires some form of mechanical intervention, which shows up in designs as a motor-driven fan, boiler, or some other combination thereof.

From Popular-Science

The dual boiler also features an over-pressure valve to limit maximum pressure and avoid bitterness in your cup.

From Popular-Science

“Hayden took J.W. into a boiler room in the City of Ferguson jail,” the papers charge.

From The Daily Beast

She held on to the hair as Hayden led her further back into the boiler room.

From The Daily Beast

They look at each other meaningfully—and repair to the boiler room for some torrid sex.

From The Daily Beast

Workers on the iron horse shoveled coal into a boiler, which propelled the engine and sent steam and smoke billowing into the sky.

From The Daily Beast

Stratton Oakmont was a classic boiler room—it even inspired a 2000 movie called Boiler Room.

From The Daily Beast

A few moments afterward he was seen dragging his own trunk ashore, while Mr. Hitchcock finished his story on the boiler deck.

From Project Gutenberg

The boiler is strong enough and large enough to work this engine with 30 lbs.

From Project Gutenberg

The boiler was of wrought iron, built in brickwork, and looked like a big kitchen-boiler.

From Project Gutenberg

A flattish cover was bolted on to the top of the boiler, and the cylinder was let down into this top.

From Project Gutenberg

The boiler was placed underneath the engine, the fire under it, with brick flues.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cooker
• heater
• kiln
• microwave
• oven