What does roaster mean?
A roaster is primarily a device used to roast coffee or other foods, though it can also mean a person whose occupation is roasting. The word is especially familiar in the coffee industry, where a roaster may be a small craft business, a large industrial machine, or the person responsible for developing a coffee’s flavor. A second established meaning refers to an animal, especially a chicken, considered suitable for roasting. In that sense, "roaster" suggests cooking qualities rather than the animal’s breed or age. "Roaster" can also function as a verb, meaning "to roast," although ordinary usage more often chooses the more familiar verb "roast." Its usefulness lies in connecting several everyday domains: professional coffee preparation, cooking equipment, and traditional roasting terminology. The same word thus describes both the tool that performs the process and the person or animal associated with it.
A person or device that roasts food or coffee; also, an animal, especially a chicken, suitable for roasting.
"The restaurant's new roaster gives the coffee a rich, dark flavor."
The sense referring to a person is especially associated with coffee roasting. The animal sense is commonly used with chickens.
To roast something.
"They roaster the vegetables over charcoal before serving them."
This verb form is uncommon; most speakers use "roast" instead.
The plural is used for multiple people, machines, or roasting animals.
"Several local roasters sell their beans at the market."
From coffee roaster to Sunday dinner, one word can name a professional, a machine, and the kind of chicken made for the roasting pan.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How roaster is actually used
The noun is common for both coffee-roasting equipment and a person involved in roasting. When it refers to a chicken, it is usually used as a count noun in phrases such as "a roasting roaster." The verb form is much less common than the standard verb "roast" and may sound marked in formal writing.
Easily confused with roaster
A roaster is used for roasting coffee, meat, or other foods, whereas a toaster is designed primarily to brown slices of bread.