radiator

noun

ra·​di·​a·​tor ˈrā-dē-ˌā-tər How to pronounce radiator (audio)
dialectal ˈra-
: one that radiates: such as
a
: any of various devices (such as a series of pipes or tubes) for transferring heat from a fluid within to an area or object outside
b
: a transmitting antenna

Examples of radiator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Faux-chrome hubcaps and brick outlines resembling fenders decorate the building’s skin; those giant gargoyles on the corners are overscale replicas of radiator-cap hood ornaments. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 27 Mar. 2026 Similar to a car radiator, water flows through the pipes and absorbs heat from the servers. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 27 Mar. 2026 Every component — panels, battery, compressor, copper tubing, radiator — is commercially available. Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026 For talking purposes Crane slid her prototype onto a table holding a number of others, and retreated to the radiator. thehustle.co, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for radiator

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radiator was in 1836

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Radiator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiator. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

radiator

noun
ra·​di·​a·​tor ˈrād-ē-ˌāt-ər How to pronounce radiator (audio)
: one that radiates
especially : any of various devices (as a set of pipes or tubes) for transferring heat from a fluid within to an area or object outside

More from Merriam-Webster on radiator

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster