Burner: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the individual heating elements on a stove or a standalone portable device for cooking.

• Turn on the burner to heat the soup.
• I used a portable burner during our camping trip.

Refers to a device used to generate warmth in a room or building, not specifically for cooking.

• The heater was turned on to warm up the chilly room.
• We need to buy a new heater for the winter.

Refers to a large appliance used in kitchens for cooking and baking, often combining an oven and multiple burners.

• I need a new stove for my kitchen renovations.
• The recipe says to preheat the stove to 350 degrees.

Describes a small, portable electric appliance with one or two heating elements, typically used when a full stove is not available.

• The dorm room has a hotplate for simple cooking tasks.
• I used a hotplate to make dinner in the office.

Often used in informal or slang contexts, particularly in movies or TV shows depicting crime, espionage, or undercover activities. It implies a phone that can be discarded after use to avoid detection or tracking.

• He bought a burner to avoid being traced by the authorities

Used in everyday contexts to refer to a phone that is meant to be used for a short period and then discarded. It is straightforward and neutral.

• For our camping trip, we decided to take a disposable phone in case of emergencies

Commonly used in commercial or neutral contexts to refer to a phone where you pay for service in advance. It is often marketed by telecom providers.

• I prefer using a prepaid phone because I don't want a monthly bill

Used in casual or everyday conversations to describe a phone that is intended for short-term use, often implying a legitimate temporary need rather than evasion.

• I got a temporary phone while my main phone is being repaired

Used informally to describe a temporary or throwaway phone, usually for privacy or short-term use.

• I bought a burner for my trip abroad so I wouldn't incur roaming charges.
• The spy ditched his burner after each mission to avoid being traced.

Similarly negative; used to describe someone considered non-essential and easily sacrificed, especially in a dangerous or high-risk situation.

• In some military operations, soldiers are seen as expendable persons.
• The corporation's strategy often views lower-level workers as expendable persons.

Implies that someone can be easily substituted without significant impact. Usually conveys a negative feeling of being undervalued.

• At the company, he always felt like a replaceable person despite his hard work.
• The boss's attitude made everyone feel like replaceable persons.

Has a negative connotation; used to describe someone treated as if they are easily replaceable and of little value. It suggests a lack of respect and consideration.

• It's terrible that the company treats its employees like disposable persons.
• She felt like a disposable person in her relationship, easily cast aside.