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

In the near-term for investors, the summit could keep concerns about U.S.-China on the back burner since both leaders are focused on stability.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

This memory of watching a stove’s burner becomes a symbol for his creative journey, a moment that mixed joy and fear, “almost like an invitation, a challenge to go forward.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

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

The Ivorian's career was initially a slow burner - he joined Chelsea at 26 - and not as prolific as many on this list.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

Even used a wood burner to etch those words: Byrd's Potting Shed.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers

Related Words

• heater
• lamp