boiler

noun

boil·​er ˈbȯi-lər 

1

: one that boils

2

a

: a vessel used for boiling

b

: the part of a steam generator in which water is converted into steam and which consists usually of metal shells and tubes

c

: a tank in which water is heated or hot water is stored

d

chiefly British : furnace

Examples of boiler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Energy is supplemented by two propeller shafts, acting as hydro turbines, while reverse osmosis and a pellet boiler (complete with recycled wooden waste pellets) generate fresh water and heat, respectively. —Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

That ranges from oversight by Bartlett Cocke and Nichols Engineering to improper installation by Basey and Corona of the plumbing and the failure by FCS Mechanical to check and reduce the boiler temperatures. —Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026

In answer to a question, Goss said that a defect in the boilers would have caused the affected part to give way but not the entire boiler to explode. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 27 Jan. 2026

To start, fill the bottom chamber, or a boiler, with room temperature water—careful not to overflow above the valve, which releases pressure. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing boiler

• boiler room
• double boiler
• steam boiler

Rhymes for boiler

• broiler
• oiler
• spoiler
• toiler
• reboiler

Kids Definition

boiler

noun

boil·​er ˈbȯi-lər 

1

: a container in which something is boiled

2

: a strong metal container used in making steam

3

: a tank in which water is heated or hot water is stored