boiler

noun

boil·​er ˈbȯi-lər How to pronounce boiler (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, the U.S. imports $124 billion in electric machinery; $82 billion in nuclear reactors, boilers and other machinery; $12 billion in goods made of iron or steel; and $19.3 billion in plastics from China each year, according to data from the International Trade Administration. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 6 May 2025 Still, the study found that utilizing a geothermal system or a combination of all-electric boilers and heat pumps could reduce emissions by an additional 80% or more. John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2025 Heat pumps and electric boilers came out on top When assessed across indicators including capital expenditure, operating expenses, thermal efficiency and technological maturity amongst others, electric boilers and heat pumps came out on top. Amy Nguyen, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 The previous owner told her the price was set low because the hot water boiler would need repairs. Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for boiler

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boiler was circa 1540

Cite this Entry

“Boiler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boiler. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

boiler

noun
boil·​er ˈbȯi-lər How to pronounce boiler (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on boiler

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!