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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heat pump

Be aware, though: A lot of people might find it tough to do DIY installation of a window-based heat pump.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026

But, in the past, installation could be costly and complicated—involving cutting a hole in an exterior wall, as well as ductwork if the heat pump was designed to heat an entire home.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026

It was built with an air-to-air heat pump that cools the building, and vents to let hot air escape.

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026

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

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine

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