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.
Story of the steamboat Washoe The Washoe was a 385-ton side-wheel paddleboat with four 32-foot-long iron boilers set on the deck, the Deadliest American Disasters site said. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026 In an equipment room next to the bathing complex, the archaeologists found a furnace that would have been used to heat the floors of the building, as well as remnants of a boiler to heat the water used. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Here, the classical beauty of the Roman statues resonates with the looming grandeur of turbines and boilers that powered industrial modernity. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Similarly, when using the Heat setting, the HVAC system engages the furnace, boiler, or similar heating system at the same time as the fan, increasing the amount of energy used. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 24 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing boiler

Rhymes for boiler

See All Rhymes for boiler

Browse Nearby Words

boiled sweets
boiler
boiler compound
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boiler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boiler. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boiler

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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