# heating

/ˈhitɪŋ/ (US) · /hˈiːtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/heating
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. building system

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 2. process of making hot

noun · CEFR B2

the act of making something hot or increasing its temperature.

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

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

## Examples

- The heating is broken, so the house is very cold.
- Most modern apartments use central heating to distribute warmth evenly through every room during the winter months.
- Rising energy costs have forced many households to reconsider their heating habits, leading to a surge in the installation of smart thermostats and improved insulation.

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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.