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

The museum also showcases the boat's original steam engine and is set up with photo opportunities. — Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2026

And then there’s original sound capture (like a steam engine for the Hogwarts Express), mixing to give the conversations a 360 feel, music to compose and an orchestra to record it. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

With a steam engine, the boat pulled heavy cargo between Budapest and other towns along the Danube. — CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

The Montana, a 235-foot side-wheel steamer that sank in 1914, sits in 66 feet with her boiler and three-story steam engine still standing. — Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

steam engine

noun

: an engine driven by steam