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

The old boiler wheezed and stalled, the roof sprang leaks, half-century-old pipes cracked, and the lobby intercom was defunct. —Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026

Chicago Loop Synagogue Representatives of the Chicago Loop Synagogue reached out to Landmarks Illinois in January to ask for emergency funds to fix the boiler. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026

The gas flowed through a doorway and into the basement, where the building’s boiler was located. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026

Nearby, a mechanic named Andriy was using a propane torch to defrost the bolts on a steel valve that connected the plant’s boilers to its turbines. —Michael Holtz, New Yorker, 5 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