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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of burner

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

Example Sentences

But Epstein talk has definitely been on the back burner in recent weeks, with the war in Iran especially taking precedence.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Investors, soothed by a lowering of tensions between the U.S. and China, have put trade worries on the back burner.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

In a Los Angeles County jewelry heist, investigators last year linked a burner phone from a traffic accident to the heist location and to other crimes.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

It is possible that Jenner hasn’t given much thought to the currently listed home, putting it on the back burner.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 17, 2026

My aunt turns down the burner and motions for us to sit at the polished wooden table.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• heater
• lamp