radiator

noun

ra·​di·​a·​tor ˈrā-dē-ˌā-tər How to pronounce radiator (audio)
dialectal ˈra-
: one that radiates: such as
a
: any of various devices (such as a series of pipes or tubes) for transferring heat from a fluid within to an area or object outside
b
: a transmitting antenna

Examples of radiator 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.
It's also got two passive radiators for deep bass, and CMF says it's tuned the driver to extend its low-end range. — New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026 The original radiator has been repurposed as a bedside table. — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2026 That shifts the colors of white dwarfs away from the white/light blue seen for a perfect radiator of heat. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Maybe my favorite styling element of all on this car is the whirling radiator fan sitting atop the engine, 917-style. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for radiator

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radiator was in 1836

Rhymes for radiator

See All Rhymes for radiator

Browse Nearby Words

radiative
radiator
radiatory
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Radiator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiator. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

radiator

noun
ra·​di·​a·​tor ˈrād-ē-ˌāt-ər How to pronounce radiator (audio)
: one that radiates
especially : any of various devices (as a set of pipes or tubes) for transferring heat from a fluid within to an area or object outside

More from Merriam-Webster on radiator

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about radiator

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