steamer

noun

steam·​er ˈstē-mər How to pronounce steamer (audio)
Synonyms of steamernext
1
: a vessel in which articles are subjected to steam
2
a
: a ship propelled by steam
b
: an engine, machine, or vehicle operated or propelled by steam
3
: one that steams
4
: soft-shell clam

Examples of steamer in a Sentence

We rode a steamer down the Mississippi.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All our wedding outfits were in there, plus things like steamers and Tide to Go sticks. — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2026 The golden age of voyages on board tramp steamers and banana boats was the first half of the 20th century. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 The water should remain below the steamer basket when cooking begins. — Amber Love Bond, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026 Two metal steamers landed on the table, one on top of the other. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steamer

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of steamer was in 1802

Phrases Containing steamer

Rhymes for steamer

See All Rhymes for steamer

Browse Nearby Words

steam engine
steamer
steamer chair
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steamer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steamer. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

steamer

noun
steam·​er ˈstē-mər How to pronounce steamer (audio)
1
: a container in which something is steamed
2
a
: a ship driven by steam
b
: an engine, machine, or vehicle run by steam

More from Merriam-Webster on steamer

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