# heater

/ˈhitɝ/ (US) · /hˈiːtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/heater
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. warming device

noun · CEFR B1

a machine or device that makes a room or building warm.

For teachers: an apparatus used to produce and radiate heat, typically for climate control in an indoor environment.

- It was so cold in the office that I had to turn on my small electric heater.
- The landlord promised to repair the central heater before the first frost, but the tenants remained skeptical given his history of negligence.

### 2. winning streak

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a period of time when you keep winning, especially in a game or gambling.

For teachers: an extended period of success or a winning streak, particularly in the context of gambling or sports.

- He was on a real heater at the casino, winning five hands of poker in a row.
- After three hours on a heater, the gambler decided to walk away from the table while his chips were still piled high.

Usage: Usually used with the preposition 'on'.

Teaching tip: Common in gambling and sports commentary to describe momentum.

### 3. fast pitch

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Slang

a very fast throw in baseball.

For teachers: a fastball thrown at high velocity.

- The pitcher threw a 98-mile-per-hour heater to strike out the final batter.
- The rookie struggled to catch up to the veteran's heater, swinging well after the ball had already crossed the plate.

### 4. great song

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Informal

a song that is very energetic and exciting.

For teachers: a powerfully energetic or exceptional musical track.

- The DJ played a total heater that got everyone on the dance floor immediately.
- The band's new single is an absolute heater, blending heavy bass with a catchy synth melody.

Teaching tip: This is very modern slang; it is synonymous with 'banger'.

### 5. handgun

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Slang

an old-fashioned slang word for a gun.

For teachers: a handgun or pistol.

- In the old detective movie, the gangster reached for the heater in his pocket.
- The noir protagonist noted the bulge of a heater beneath the antagonist's tailored suit jacket.

Teaching tip: Mainly found in mid-20th century crime fiction and film noir; not used in modern conversation.

## Examples

- We turned on the heater when it got cold.
- She bought a small electric heater to keep her home office warm during winter.

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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.