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.
These came in a tiny bag folded very tightly—typically, that means breaking out the steamer or tossing them in the dryer with an ice cube. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 31 July 2026 In-room requests (like asking for a steamer, for instance) are handled swiftly via WhatsApp. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026 The Old Man and Natalia arrived in the early hours of January 9, 1937, as the steamer Ruth approached the port of Tampico, Mexico. — Literary Hub, 28 July 2026 Functional pockets also offer plenty of room for on-the-go essentials, and the wrinkle-resistant spandex blend is ideal for traveling without having to lug around a steamer. — Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for steamer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All