# geyser

/ˈɡaɪzɝ/ (US) · /ɡˈiːzɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/geyser
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. natural hot spring

noun · CEFR B2

a hole in the ground that shoots out hot water and steam at certain times.

For teachers: a natural geothermal spring that intermittently ejects a column of boiling water and steam into the air.

- We waited for an hour to see the geyser shoot water high into the sky.
- The national park is famous for its active geysers, which erupt with predictable regularity due to underground volcanic activity.

### 2. water heater

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Dialect

a machine used in a house to heat water for showers and sinks.

For teachers: a domestic appliance used for heating and storing hot water.

- The geyser in the bathroom is broken, so there is no hot water for a shower.
- In many South African households, the geyser is the most energy-consuming appliance, often requiring a timer to manage electricity costs.

Usage: Commonly used in South Africa, India, and formerly in the UK; 'water heater' is the standard American equivalent.

## Examples

- The geyser erupted every few hours, sending steam into the sky.
- While hiking in the national park, we watched a geyser erupt and heard the loud hissing of the steam.
- The geologist explained that the geyser's predictable eruptions are caused by the heating of groundwater beneath the earth's surface, creating a cycle of pressure and release.

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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.