percolator

noun

per·​co·​la·​tor ˈpər-kə-ˌlā-tər 

nonstandard

-kyə- 

: one that percolates

specifically : a coffeepot in which boiling water rising through a tube is repeatedly deflected downward through a perforated basket containing ground coffee beans to extract their essence

Examples of percolator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Get into the fall spirit with us by making a steaming cup of joe with our favorite espresso percolator, then sip a tasty fall cocktail from the cutest under-$20 Halloween glasses. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2024

Amazon brewed up some deals on our favorite coffee makers, including a Nespresso machine, cold brew maker, pour over and percolator. —Sara Beth Bolin, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024

In one scene, when Jackie is feeling trapped, the editing splices in an insert of a boiling coffee percolator and an old news clip of the Berlin Wall. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024

All manner of appliances are celebrated here, including blenders, razors, hair dryers, coffee percolators and an impressive array of waffle irons. —Edward M. Eveld, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

percolator

noun

per·​co·​la·​tor ˈpər-kə-ˌlāt-ər 

: a coffeepot in which boiling water rising through a tube is repeatedly turned downward through a basket with holes that contains ground coffee beans to make coffee

Medical Definition

percolator

noun

per·​co·​la·​tor ˈpər-kə-ˌlāt-ər 

: an apparatus for the extraction of a drug with a liquid solvent by downward displacement