# thermostat

/ˈθɝməˌstæt/ (US) · /θˈɜːməʊstˌæt/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thermostat
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a small device that controls the temperature in a room or a machine. It automatically turns the heating or cooling on and off to keep the air at the level you choose.

For teachers: an instrument that monitors and regulates the temperature of a system, typically by activating or deactivating heating and cooling components. It maintains a set point by responding to thermal changes in the environment.

## Examples

- Please turn down the thermostat if the room gets too hot.
- Modern smart homes allow you to adjust the thermostat from your phone before you even arrive at the house.
- The industrial cooling system relies on a highly sensitive digital thermostat to ensure that the chemical reagents remain stable within a very narrow temperature range.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with verbs like 'set', 'adjust', or 'turn up/down'.

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