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

Gail Borden patented the first commercially viable process to condense milk in an anaerobic vacuum boiler. — USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Let the water in your kettle or electric water boiler come to a boil, then take it off the heat; wait 2 to 3 minutes for the water to cool slightly before pouring it into your mug or teapot. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026

Plans have yet to be finalized for the largest of the buildings, which formerly housed the plant’s gigantic boilers, but options include classrooms, an indoor play space or an oceanographic institute, according to the project’s designers. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026

Their next major undertaking is installing an outdoor wood boiler system and radiators throughout the house, which currently doesn’t have a furnace. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 24 July 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