What does inflater mean?
An inflater is a device that puts air or another gas into an object, making it larger or restoring the pressure within it. The term commonly describes hand pumps, compact bicycle pumps, electric pumps, and small compressors used for tyres, air mattresses, inflatable toys, and similar products. It is particularly associated with a portable device carried for emergencies, although the word can also refer to a fixed pump or compressor in a workshop or service station. The suffix -er identifies the tool as the instrument associated with the action of inflating. In everyday usage, “inflater” is more natural than the rarer variant “inflator,” and it is often modified by words such as “electric,” “bicycle,” or “portable” to specify the power source or intended use.
nounA device, such as a hand pump, electric pump, or compressor, that supplies air or another gas to something, increasing its volume or pressure.
- A device used to pump air or another gas into an object, increasing its volume or internal pressure.
"She used the bicycle inflater to restore the pressure in the tyres."
"The portable inflater was enough to reseat the tyre bead."
"A small electric inflater can be especially useful for air mattresses."
The plural is used when referring to multiple inflation devices.
"The garage stocks several different bicycle inflaters."
Meet the -er: a tool whose name literally means “one that inflates.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inflater come from?
The noun was formed in English by adding the suffix -er to inflate, producing a term for a device that performs the action of filling something with air or gas. Inflate comes from Latin inflare, formed from in- and flare, both meaning “to blow up.” The same Latin root also underlies inflation and the related English derivative inflatable.
Related word forms
How inflater is actually used
Usually countable and commonly used attributively, especially for hand, electric, or bicycle pumps.
Easily confused with inflater
Both can refer to a device used for inflation, but 'inflater' is the more usual term, while 'inflator' is a rarer variant.