thermostat

1 of 2

noun

ther·​mo·​stat ˈthər-mə-ˌstat 

: an automatic device for regulating temperature (as by controlling the supply of gas or electricity to a heating apparatus)

also : a similar device for actuating fire alarms or for controlling automatic sprinklers

thermostatic

ˌthər-mə-ˈsta-tik 

adjective

thermostatically

ˌthər-mə-ˈsta-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

thermostat

2 of 2

verb

thermostated ˈthər-mə-ˌsta-təd  also thermostatted; thermostating also thermostatting

transitive verb

: to provide with or control the temperature of by a thermostat

Examples of thermostat in a Sentence

Noun

I set the thermostat to 68 degrees.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Other key elements include roll-in showers with grab bars and handheld shower wands; raised toilet seats with grab bars; lowered light switches, thermostats, and mirrors; and wheelchair-accessible bathroom sinks. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the devices will include a doorbell, a smart lock, and a thermostat, with LG branding. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

For instance, lowering the thermostat while away from home or while sleeping can reduce energy use, while sealing air leaks around windows and doors and maintaining heating equipment can also help lower consumption. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Apple is collaborating with LG on a new lineup of smart home devices, including a video doorbell, thermostat, indoor camera, and more, according to a report from Bloomberg. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

thermo- + -stat

First Known Use

Noun

1831, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for thermostat

• acrobat
• autocrat
• automat
• bundesrat
• bureaucrat
• butterfat
• caveat
• chemostat
• copycat
• cryostat
• democrat
• diplomat

Kids Definition

thermostat

noun

ther·​mo·​stat

ˈthər-mə-ˌstat

: a device that automatically controls temperature

thermostatic

ˌthər-mə-ˈstat-ik

adjective

thermostatically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Medical Definition

thermostat

1 of 2 noun

ther·​mo·​stat ˈthər-mə-ˌstat 

1

: an automatic device for regulating temperature (as by controlling the supply of gas or electricity to a heating apparatus)

2

: a piece of apparatus (as a constant-temperature chamber) regulated by a thermostat

thermostatic

ˌthər-mə-ˈstat-ik 

adjective

thermostatically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

thermostat

2 of 2 transitive verb

thermostated -ˌstat-əd  or thermostatted; thermostating or thermostatting

: to provide with or control the temperature of by a thermostat

a thermostated centrifuge