# boiler

/ˈbɔɪɫɝ/ (US) · /bˈɔɪlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/boiler
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. heating system

noun · CEFR B1

a machine that heats water to provide heat and hot water for a house or building.

For teachers: a domestic or industrial device used to heat water or produce steam, typically for central heating or hot water supply.

- The house was freezing because the boiler broke down during the night.
- The landlord agreed to replace the aging gas boiler with a more energy-efficient model before the winter temperatures arrived.

### 2. cooking vessel

noun · CEFR B2

a large pot or container used for boiling or steaming food.

For teachers: a large vessel or container designed for boiling, steaming, or heating food items in bulk.

- We used a large boiler to cook enough corn for the whole party.
- The industrial kitchen was equipped with several stainless steel boilers for preparing large quantities of soup and stock.

### 4. derogatory for a woman

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang · Vulgar

a very rude and old-fashioned way to describe an older woman you think is unattractive.

For teachers: a derogatory and offensive slang term used to describe an older woman, often implying she is unattractive or unpleasant.

- He was being very rude and called the neighbour an old boiler.
- The comedian's use of the term 'old boiler' was widely criticised for being both sexist and outdated.

Teaching tip: This term is considered highly offensive and sexist in modern British English; learners should recognize it but never use it.

## Examples

- The boiler broke down, so we have no hot water.
- The landlord promised to send a technician to service the gas boiler before the winter temperatures arrived.
- Modern high-efficiency condensing boilers capture heat from exhaust gases that would otherwise be lost, significantly reducing the energy required to maintain a building's ambient temperature.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.