head of steam

noun phrase

: strong driving force : momentum
frequent rallies helped the movement develop a head of steam

Examples of head of steam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The format has allowed Real Madrid and PSG to build up a head of steam before next week’s return fixtures against Manchester City and Chelsea, respectively. James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026 The Avs center built up his usual head of steam into the crease. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026 So, maybe a head of steam going into the playoffs would suit the Wild better than a new division title banner in the rafters. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 2026 Heat it to a full head of steam and hold the nozzle at least 6 inches away from the fabric for a few minutes. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for head of steam

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of head of steam was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Head of steam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head%20of%20steam. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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