English Reference
noun

heating

n.
US /ˈhitɪŋ/ UK /hˈiːtɪŋ/ heat·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the system or equipment used to keep a house or building warm.

    a system, such as a boiler and radiators, used to maintain a comfortable temperature within a building.

    Simple

    Can you turn the heating up? It is freezing in this living room.

    In context

    The landlord promised to repair the central heating before the winter temperatures dropped below freezing.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general system.

    air conditioningcooling
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the act of making something hot or increasing its temperature.

    the process of applying thermal energy to a substance or object to increase its temperature.

    Simple

    The slow heating of the soup ensures that the vegetables cook evenly.

    In context

    The rapid heating of the metal alloy caused it to expand and eventually crack under the pressure.

    Usage

    Common in technical or scientific contexts to describe a procedure.

    warmingincandescence

From heat + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated