# stoker

/ˈstoʊkɝ/ (US) · /stˈəʊkɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. person fueling a boiler

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a person whose job is to put coal or wood into a large furnace, especially on a steamship or steam train.

For teachers: a worker responsible for tending a furnace and supplying it with fuel, historically associated with steam-powered locomotives and maritime vessels.

- The stoker worked in the hot engine room, shoveling coal into the fire all day.
- Working in the cramped, sweltering conditions of the boiler room, the stoker was responsible for maintaining the steam pressure required for the ship's crossing.

### 2. automatic fueling machine

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a machine that automatically feeds coal or other fuel into a large heater or furnace.

For teachers: a mechanical apparatus designed to feed solid fuel into a furnace automatically, ensuring a consistent rate of combustion.

- The factory installed an automatic stoker to keep the heating system running efficiently.
- The introduction of the mechanical stoker significantly reduced the manual labour required to operate large-scale industrial boilers during the early twentieth century.

### 3. tandem bicycle rider

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the person who sits on the back seat of a bicycle made for two people.

For teachers: the rear cyclist on a tandem bicycle who provides power but does not steer.

- On their tandem bike, he acted as the captain while his wife was the stoker.
- While the captain handles the steering and braking, the stoker must maintain a consistent cadence to ensure the tandem bicycle remains stable.

Usage: In tandem cycling, the front rider is the 'captain' and the rear is the 'stoker'.

## Examples

- The stoker fed coal into the boiler every hour.
- Before automated systems were common, a team of stokers worked the night shift to keep the factory's massive furnaces running.
- The ship's stoker was responsible for maintaining the intense heat required to power the vessel's steam engines during the long transatlantic voyage.

---

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.