What does "toaster" mean?
An electrical device for toasting food, typically sliced bread.
Toaster
/ˈtəʊs.tə/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An electrical device for toasting food, typically sliced bread.
- Grammar: toaster is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: bread toaster, broiler, cooker, pot.
- Useful contrasts: microwave, non toasting guest, silent guest.
- Usage evidence: There is a one-year guarantee on this toaster.
How to use "toaster"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "toaster" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "toaster" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "toaster" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "toaster" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "toaster" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bread toaster" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "toaster", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An electrical device for toasting food, typically sliced bread.
"“Imagine this,” says an advertising consultant named Barry Lowenthal. “I’m a smart toaster, and I’m collecting data on how many times the toaster is used.” […] There are, of course, smart speakers (which roughly a quarter of American homes have) and smart thermostats, as well as smart thermometers, smart mattress covers, smart coffee makers, smart doorbells, and even, yes, smart toasters."
- 2 a kitchen appliance (usually electric) for toasting bread wordnet
- 3 A toasting fork.
- 4 someone who who drinks to the health of someone or the success of some venture wordnet
- 5 A fish ready for toasting. archaic
"[T]he tumult of the thousand different cries of the eager dealers, all shouting at the top of their voices, at one and the same time, is almost bewildering. […] "Come and look at 'em! here's toasters!" bellows one with a Yarmouth bloater stuck on a toasting-fork."
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 One who toasts (cooks lightly by browning).
- 7 One who toasts (engages in salute while drinking alcohol).
- 8 A firearm, especially a pistol. US, slang
"The renegade, you been afraid I penetrate pop culture / Bring 'em a lot closer to the block where they pop toasters"
- 9 A rapier or similar weapon. archaic, humorous
"This attitude, and the sight of the blade which glistened by moonlight in his face, checked in some sort, the ardour of his assailant, who desired he would lay aside his toaster, and take a bout with him at equal arms."
- 10 Any of several small, box-like automobiles exemplified by the Scion xB and Honda Element. derogatory, informal
- 11 An electronic organ, especially a crude one that uses analog technology. derogatory, informal
- 12 A low-end or outdated personal computer. humorous
"For most older computers (pre-486 and even some 486s), it's simply easier to throw them away and start over (and cheaper, too). I know; this probably goes against the grain; after all, you hung onto that old toaster for three years, and now it makes a darn good doorstop."
- 13 A protogen. endearing, slang
- 14 A self-contained software package distributable over the Internet or by burning onto CDs. slang, uncommon
"The Freedom Toaster was developed with backing from Mark Shuttleworth as a vending-machine-style dispenser of free digital products, including Ubuntu Linux."
- 15 A disc jockey who accompanies reggae music with improvised rhythmic speech.
- 16 Diesel locomotives built by GE Transportation known for a propensity to catch fire, especially those showing previous fire damage. US, derogatory, informal
"No. 4020 shows off the aftereffects of the GE “toaster” phenomenon as it runs on the Joint Line north of the Air Force Academy (7/02/2023)."
- 17 An EMD AEM-7 electric locomotive US, informal
"The origin of the design led railroaders to dub the units “meatballs,” and its boxy appearance inspired railfans to call them “toasters.”"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"There is a one-year guarantee on this toaster."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "toaster"?
Common synonyms include: bread toaster, broiler, cooker, pot, potato, toast giver.
How do you use "toaster" in a sentence?
There is a one-year guarantee on this toaster.
How do you pronounce "toaster"?
Pronounced /ˈtəʊs.tə/.
Etymology
From toast + -er (agent noun suffix) or -er (patient suffix).