toaster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, everyday
Quick answer
What does “toaster” mean?
An electrical appliance for toasting slices of bread.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electrical appliance for toasting slices of bread.
A person or thing that toasts (e.g., a software tool for burning data onto CDs/DVDs, historically known as a CD/DVD 'toaster'). Informally, a person who makes a toast (brief speech).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Appliance types (2-slice, 4-slice, pop-up vs. conveyor toaster) are common in both.
Connotations
Same core appliance connotation of a common household item.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “toaster” in a Sentence
Put the bread [in/into the toaster].The toaster [pops up].She [bought] a new toaster.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toaster” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll toaster the crumpets for tea.
- (Virtually nonexistent as a verb; 'toast' is used)
American English
- He tried to toaster the bread, but it broke. (Non-standard/rare)
- (Virtually nonexistent as a verb; 'toast' is used)
adjective
British English
- Toaster technology has improved. (Attributive noun)
- They sell toaster parts. (Attributive noun)
American English
- The toaster cord is short. (Attributive noun)
- Check the toaster settings. (Attributive noun)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in retail (e.g., 'small appliance sales').
Academic
Rare; used in history/design contexts (e.g., 'the invention of the electric toaster').
Everyday
Very common, referring to the kitchen appliance.
Technical
Historical/niche computing term for CD/DVD burner.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toaster”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toaster”
- Using 'toaster' for a general oven ('I baked the cake in the toaster' - incorrect).
- Confusing 'toaster' (appliance) with 'toaster oven' (a larger, multi-function appliance).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A standard toaster is typically for slices of bread. A toaster oven is a larger countertop appliance that can toast, bake, and broil.
Historically, yes, it meant 'one who toasts' (e.g., proposes a drink). This usage is now archaic. The word almost exclusively refers to the appliance today.
Never insert metal objects (like a knife) to retrieve stuck items. Ensure crumbs are emptied regularly to prevent fire risk. Always unplug it before cleaning.
It is a standard, neutral word for the appliance. It is appropriate in everyday and most written contexts, but the technical term might be 'bread-toasting appliance' in very formal specifications.
An electrical appliance for toasting slices of bread.
Toaster: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊstə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊstər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TOAST + ER = 'the thing that MAKES toast'. Like a printer 'prints', a toaster 'toasts'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOASTER IS A MACHINE/TOOL (for transforming bread).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a toaster?