space heater: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to informal in everyday contexts; technical/specific in product descriptions.
Quick answer
What does “space heater” mean?
A portable or stationary electrical or fuel-powered device designed to heat a single room or a confined area, not connected to a central heating system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable or stationary electrical or fuel-powered device designed to heat a single room or a confined area, not connected to a central heating system.
Any compact heating appliance used to provide localized warmth, often implying temporary, supplemental, or personal heating solutions in homes, offices, garages, or workshops.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical and equally common in both varieties. British English may more frequently use 'electric heater' or 'fan heater' for common plug-in types, but 'space heater' is perfectly understood.
Connotations
In the UK, may slightly more strongly connote a portable electric device for occasional use. In the US, can also refer to larger, permanently installed propane or kerosene heaters for workshops or garages.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to greater prevalence of central air conditioning systems requiring supplemental heating in some regions.
Grammar
How to Use “space heater” in a Sentence
[Someone] uses/turns on/operates a space heater.[A space heater] warms/heats [a room/area].[A space heater] is placed/positioned in [a corner].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “space heater” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The old fan space heater in the study is surprisingly effective.
- We bought a new, more efficient space heater for the conservatory.
- Safety guidelines advise keeping space heaters away from curtains.
American English
- I need to grab a space heater from the garage for the basement office.
- Make sure your space heater has an automatic tip-over switch.
- The landlord provided a space heater for the chilly sunroom.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions about office equipment, energy costs, or workplace safety regulations.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in engineering contexts discussing energy transfer or thermodynamics.
Everyday
Very common; discussing home comfort, winter preparations, or electricity bills.
Technical
Product specifications, safety manuals (e.g., 'UL-listed space heater'), energy consumption ratings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “space heater”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “space heater”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “space heater”
- Using "space heater" to refer to the main home furnace/boiler.
- Misspelling as "spaceheater" or "space-heater" (should be two words).
- Confusing with 'water heater'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the model, energy source (electricity is often costlier than gas), and usage. While efficient for heating a single room, running multiple high-wattage heaters can significantly increase electricity bills.
They can be a fire hazard if misused. Key safety tips include keeping them away from flammable materials, not leaving them unattended, plugging them directly into a wall outlet, and ensuring they have safety certifications and auto-shutoff features.
A 'radiator' typically refers to a fixed unit that is part of a central hot water or steam heating system. A 'space heater' is usually a standalone, often portable, appliance. However, 'oil-filled radiator' is a common type of electric space heater.
No, that is not their designed purpose. They are intended for supplemental or localized heating. Attempting to heat an entire house with multiple space heaters is generally very inefficient and potentially dangerous.
A portable or stationary electrical or fuel-powered device designed to heat a single room or a confined area, not connected to a central heating system.
Space heater is usually neutral to informal in everyday contexts; technical/specific in product descriptions. in register.
Space heater: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪs ˌhiːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪs ˌhiːtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't try to heat the whole house with a space heater. (Trying to solve a big problem with a small, inadequate solution.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a heater for a specific SPACE (a room), not the entire house.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAT IS A LOCALIZED FLUID (contained within a space).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a space heater?