heat pump

American  

noun

1. a device that uses a compressible refrigerant to transfer heat from one body, as the ground, air, or water, to another body, as a building, with the process being reversible.

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heat pump British  

noun

1. a device, as used in a refrigerator, for extracting heat from a source and delivering it elsewhere at a much higher temperature

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Etymology

Origin of heat pump

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

But emissions in transport and buildings rose again in 2025, noted the study, criticising "years of insufficient progress" in the shift to electric vehicles and heat pumps.

From Barron's

It added that the UK saw a one-percent rise in electricity demand "after years of decline", as electric vehicles, heat pumps and data centres connected to the grid in larger numbers.

From Barron's

The pipe that will supply the heat pump, drawing water from the River Rhine in Germany, is so big that you could walk through it, fully upright, I'm told.

From BBC

Here’s an example of electrification: I replaced my home’s oil heating with a series of electric heat pumps and fluid loops that run deep underground.

From Barron's

For that, UCI Health is employing rows of humming heat pumps installed on the rooftop.

From Los Angeles Times