firebox

American  

[fahyuhr-boks] / ˈfaɪərˌbɒks /

noun

1. the box or chamber containing the fire of a steam boiler, furnace, etc.

2. the furnace of a locomotive, where coal, oil, or other fuel is burned to generate steam.

3. a box or panel with a device for notifying the fire station of an outbreak of fire.

4. Obsolete. a tinderbox.

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firebox British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌbɒks /

noun

1. the furnace chamber of a boiler in a steam locomotive

2. an obsolete word for tinderbox

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Etymology

Origin of firebox

First recorded in 1545–55; fire + box ¹

Example Sentences

Whichever style you choose, the most important thing is to use one that matches the size of the firebox opening.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2022

The hitching rack, hewn-log tables, campfire ring and firebox all were gone as well.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2022

The firebox must be a very specific shape and size, or else it will smoke.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 23, 2021

The pasta is set in embers in a firebox next to the grill, adding an overlay of smoke to the entree.

From Washington Post • Mar. 25, 2021

As dinnertime approached she began the nightly routine of laboring over the hot woodstove, feeding kindling into the firebox, trying to get enough flame to draw a draft up the chimney.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown