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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.


firebox British  
/ ˈfaɪəˌbɒks /

noun

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

  2. an obsolete word for tinderbox

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of firebox

First recorded in 1545–55; fire + box 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

When you dive into the documents, you’ll discover that the shape of the firebox is critical.

From Seattle Times Jan. 16, 2023

The sides have to be angled and tapered to the rear of the firebox.

From Seattle Times Jan. 16, 2023

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

From Los Angeles Times Oct. 1, 2022

She’s not a fan of using square mirrors in this spot, because it’s a bit too close to replicating the opening of the firebox.

From Washington Post Feb. 10, 2022

To begin with, our stove is an iron contraption with a firebox so immense a person could climb right in if they felt like it.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

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