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

See Examples For:

heat pump

A cold front off Portugal was "acting like a heat pump, drawing up warm air", he said.

From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 2026

In addition, the eight flats have a shared heat pump, which helps manage heating costs.

From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026

The heat pump will yield lower utility bills for summer cooling because they use far less electricity than traditional air conditioners.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 18, 2026

At best gas delivers nearly one unit of heat for each unit of energy put in; his heat pump can deliver up to three or four units of heat for every unit of power.

From BBC ● Apr. 15, 2026

The air from the heat pump is making the sheet lift up just a bit.

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine