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.
The tests were conducted under various loads and combustion conditions, allowing for an assessment of the impact of flame position on the boiler’s thermal performance and heating surface operation. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025 As the weather grows colder, residents in apartments with central heating or boiler systems may wonder if they are allowed to keep their windows open when temperatures drop. Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 20 Oct. 2025 The parcel comes with seven apartments, and the buildings have undergone capital improvements in recent years, including new boilers and electrical upgrades. Clio Chang, Curbed, 15 Oct. 2025 Money pledged by the administration to refurbish older plants will not go very far given that a single boiler component at a plant can cost $25 million to replace, said Nikhil Kumar with GridLab, an energy consulting group. Jordan Blum, Fortune, 4 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 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
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