bedwarmer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Historical, Humorous, Informal
Quick answer
What does “bedwarmer” mean?
A person or object, typically a long-handled metal or earthenware container filled with hot coals or water, used to warm a bed before sleeping.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or object, typically a long-handled metal or earthenware container filled with hot coals or water, used to warm a bed before sleeping.
Historically, a human servant (often a young woman) employed to warm the bed of a master or mistress; a hot water bottle or electric blanket in modern, humorous reference.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept is equally understood. The specific implement 'bedpan' is a different, medical object in both.
Connotations
Shared historical and humorous connotations. Might be slightly more recognized in UK due to older housing and period dramas.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, restricted to specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bedwarmer” in a Sentence
[Subject] used a bedwarmer.[Subject] served as a bedwarmer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bedwarmer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We had to bedwarm the guest room with a hot water bottle.
- He bedwarms for his wife every night, bless him.
American English
- I'll bedwarm the sheets before you get in.
adverb
British English
- [Not a standard adverb for this noun]
American English
- [Not a standard adverb for this noun]
adjective
British English
- [Not a standard adjective for this noun]
American English
- [Not a standard adjective for this noun]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical studies of domestic life and material culture.
Everyday
Rare, used humorously ('My husband is my personal bedwarmer!').
Technical
Museum curation or antique description.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bedwarmer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bedwarmer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bedwarmer”
- Confusing 'bedwarmer' with 'bedspread' or 'duvet'.
- Using it in a serious modern context without humorous intent.
- Spelling as 'bed warmer' (more common as two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Functionally similar, but a 'bedwarmer' specifically refers to the historical, long-handled pan for coals. A modern rubber hot water bottle is a different object, though sometimes called a bedwarmer humorously.
No, historically it could also refer to a servant, often of low status, who would physically warm the bed by lying in it before the master or mistress retired.
Yes, though it's rare and informal (e.g., 'to bedwarm the sheets'). The more common phrasing is 'to warm the bed'.
No, it is archaic for the object and highly contextual. Its main modern use is in historical discussion or as a playful, affectionate term for a person.
A person or object, typically a long-handled metal or earthenware container filled with hot coals or water, used to warm a bed before sleeping.
Bedwarmer is usually historical, humorous, informal in register.
Bedwarmer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛdˌwɔːmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛdˌwɔːrmər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BED needing to be WARMER, so you use a BEDWARMER.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A TOOL (when referring to the servant).
Practice
Quiz
In modern humorous use, what can 'bedwarmer' refer to?