burner

American  

[bur-ner] / ˈbɜr nər /

noun

1. a person or thing that burns.

2. that part of a gas fixture, lamp, etc., from which flame issues or in which it is produced.

3. any apparatus or receptacle in which fuel or refuse is burned.

4. Informal. burner phone.

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adjective

1. temporary or disposable, often used to remain anonymous: a burner digital identity.

   burner email accounts;

   a burner digital identity.

burner British  

/ ˈbɜːnə /

noun

1. the part of a stove, lamp, etc, that produces flame or heat

2. an apparatus for burning something, as fuel or refuse

   an oil burner

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Etymology

Origin of burner

First recorded in 1350–1400, burner is from the Middle English word brenner. See burn ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Retirement savings went on the back burner at age 50 when Ed Myrick’s son was born.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Just when it seemed like investors were putting their concerns about private credit on the back burner, private investing fears reignited Wednesday.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

“Today’s signal: that’s on the back burner now, not that it’s ever gotten off the ground,” Haines said in a note.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

County Sheriff Robert Luna said the recently arrested suspects conducted extensive research of properties and attempted to conceal their crimes using burner phones and cars rented under fraudulent identities.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

The temperature in the apartment was about fifty degrees, which was where he’d set the oil burner thermostat, but Bri made things feel warm and sunny again.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Related Words

• heater
• lamp