# radiator

/ˈɹeɪdiˌeɪtɝ/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪdɪˌeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/radiator
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a metal device that gets hot to warm up a room. You usually find them on the wall, and they work by moving hot water or oil through pipes.

For teachers: a hollow metal device, usually part of a central heating system, that transfers heat to the surrounding air via convection and radiation.

## Examples

- The radiator makes a clicking sound when it gets hot.
- During the winter, we have to bleed the radiators to ensure they heat the house efficiently.
- In older apartment buildings, the steam radiators often hiss and clank as the pressure builds, providing a rhythmic background noise to the residents' daily lives.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with verbs like 'bleed' (to remove air) or 'turn up/down'.

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