toaster

¹ American  

[toh-ster] / ˈtoʊ stər /

noun

1. an instrument or appliance for toasting bread, muffins, etc.

2. a person who toasts something.

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toaster ² American  

[toh-ster] / ˈtoʊ stər /

noun

1. a person who proposes or joins in a toast to someone or something.

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toaster British  

/ ˈtəʊstə /

noun

1. a device for toasting bread, usually electric, and often equipped with an automatic timer

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Etymology

Origin of toaster¹

First recorded in 1575–85; toast ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of toaster²

First recorded in 1695–1705; toast ² + -er ¹

Explanation

A toaster is a device in your kitchen that you use, surprisingly enough, to make toast. You can toast bread in an oven instead, but it's easier with a toaster. The pop-up toaster was invented in 1921, and those of us who prefer our bread warm and crispy are glad. Before the electric toasters we're familiar with (and their relatives, small plug-in toaster ovens), toast was made by putting bread slices inside long-handled metal frames and holding them over a fire. You can also use this noun to mean "person giving a toast," but this is less common.

Example Sentences

Big Toaster might have it out for me if enough readers follow in my footsteps.

From Salon • Oct. 9, 2024

There are good arguments that the Sunbeam Radiant Toaster still isn’t perfect.

From The Verge • Nov. 25, 2021

Balmuda, which listed last December, has carved out a niche selling minimalist household appliances at premium prices such as "The Toaster", priced $225, and a $520 coffee machine named "The Brew".

From Reuters • Nov. 16, 2021

They quit their full-time jobs, invested thousands of dollars in outfitting the Toaster and their truck, and now work from their RV as freelance writers.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 19, 2020

“When Liam goes to the store with his mom, she lets him get anything he wants. Pop-Tarts, Toaster Strudel, Twix bars, Pringles, whatever.”

From "Free Lunch" by Rex Ogle