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 real winners after electrification were not the ones that just swapped steam engines for electric motors. — Sumeet Salwan, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Take a stroll around the steam engine at Locomotive Park, or hike the White Cliffs Wagon Wheels Trail for a slightly more challenging route. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

steam engine

noun

: an engine driven by steam