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

Do not perform plumbing work on a radiator unless the boiler system has been shut down. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026

The captain turned the Lac La Belle back to Milwaukee, but waves came crashing over the vessel, extinguishing its boilers. —Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 16 Feb. 2026

Other modern improvements from top to bottom include installing a new boiler, water heaters, and gutters, plus fire escape upgrades, landscaping the exterior, and upgrading the front patio. —Richard Lane, Des Moines Register, 16 Feb. 2026

The captain turned the Lac La Belle back toward Milwaukee but huge waves came crashing over her, extinguishing her boilers. —Todd Richmond, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 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