steam engine
noun
: an engine driven or worked by steam
specifically
: a reciprocating engine having a piston driven in a closed cylinder by steam
Examples of steam engine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
True, in Jevons’ original example, Watt’s steam engine made coal more productive, and Britain consumed more coal, not less.
—
Christopher Marquis, Time, 30 May 2026
Named for English economist William Stanley Jevons, the paradox refers to the period following the invention of the Watt steam engine, when instead of more efficient coal burning resulting in less coal being burned, the commodity instead became cheaper and more popular.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 26 May 2026
Go for a stroll around the steam engines at Locomotive Park, or hike the White Cliffs Wagon Wheels Trail for a slightly more challenging route.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
Much like the steam engine in its early days, AI’s capabilities are extraordinary and, at times, dangerous.
—Gyimah Whitaker, AJC.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for steam engine
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.
Christopher Marquis, Time, 30 May 2026
Named for English economist William Stanley Jevons, the paradox refers to the period following the invention of the Watt steam engine, when instead of more efficient coal burning resulting in less coal being burned, the commodity instead became cheaper and more popular.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 26 May 2026
Go for a stroll around the steam engines at Locomotive Park, or hike the White Cliffs Wagon Wheels Trail for a slightly more challenging route.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
Much like the steam engine in its early days, AI’s capabilities are extraordinary and, at times, dangerous.
—Gyimah Whitaker, AJC.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for steam engine
Cite this Entry
“Steam engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steam%20engine. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
