What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
furnacemen
Example
The furnacemen were responsible for keeping the steel mill running smoothly. [furnacemen: noun]
Example
He trained as a furnaceman and now works for a heating and cooling company. [furnaceman: noun]
stoker
Example
The stoker shoveled coal into the boiler to keep the steam engine running. [stoker: noun]
Example
She worked as a stoker in the coal mine before switching to a different job. [stoker: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stoker is more commonly used than furnacemen in everyday language. Stoker is a more general term that can refer to anyone who feeds fuel into a furnace or boiler, while furnacemen is a more specific term that describes workers who operate and maintain furnaces in industrial settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between furnacemen and stoker?
Both furnacemen and stokers are associated with industrial and technical fields, making them more formal terms. However, furnacemen may be considered more formal due to its specificity and association with heavy industry.
