noun
Uncommon
boiler
BOY-luh
Boiler (noun) means a closed vessel or appliance used to heat water or produce steam, typically for heating a building or generating power. Example: “The old boiler broke down in the middle of winter.”
noun
1
A closed vessel or appliance used to heat water or produce steam, typically for heating a building or generating power.
"The old boiler broke down in the middle of winter."
"Steam from the boiler powered the factory's machinery."
"We need an engineer to service the boiler before the heating season starts."
How to use boiler
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tank or appliance that heats water or makes steam, commonly used for home heating.
Common pairings
gas boiler
boiler room
service the boiler
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Word forms
- Plural
- boilers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old _____ broke down in the middle of winter.
Etymology
From boil plus the agent suffix -er.
Synonyms
View more →
water heater
kettle
Related words
Rhymes for boiler
See all rhymes for boiler →Frequently asked questions
What does “boiler” mean?
The word “boiler” means a closed vessel or appliance used to heat water or produce steam, typically for heating a building or generating power. In plain terms, a tank or appliance that heats water or makes steam, commonly used for home heating.
How do you pronounce “boiler”?
“Boiler” is pronounced BOY-luh (/ˈbɔɪlɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “boiler” in a sentence?
Here is “boiler” used in a sentence: “The old boiler broke down in the middle of winter.”
What part of speech is “boiler”?
“Boiler” is a noun.
Is “boiler” a common word?
“Boiler” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a boiler and a furnace?
A boiler heats water or produces steam to warm a building, typically circulating hot water or steam through pipes and radiators, while a furnace heats air directly and distributes it through ducts. The two serve the same general purpose of heating but use different methods and systems.
What does it mean when a boiler needs servicing?
A boiler needing servicing means the appliance used to heat water or produce steam requires maintenance to keep it running safely and efficiently. Regular servicing helps prevent breakdowns and can catch issues like leaks or pressure problems early.
Why do older houses often still use a boiler for heating?
Older houses often use a boiler because it was long the standard closed vessel appliance for heating water or producing steam for building heat, and existing pipework and radiators are built around that system. Replacing it with a different heating method can require significant renovation.
