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
Nowadays, old-fashioned steam engines alternate with biodiesel locomotives for the three-hour round trip on the mountain’s western slope.
—
Patricia Harris and David Lyon, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2023
And while the film features an array of mind-blowing stunts, including Ethan driving a motorcycle off a cliff or a climatic fight atop a moving steam engine train, there was also plenty of emotion for Balfe to root his score in.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 July 2023
Looking back in history, the steam engine developed by James Watt in 1769 not only revolutionized the power of machines but also revolutionized locomotion when applied to steamships and steam locomotives.
—Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2023
The first Industrial Revolution was powered by the steam engine, the second by the automobile, and the third by the Internet and personal computer.
—Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2023
On Saturday, the comedian, 72, was working on a steam engine underneath a car in his garage when a fire began.
—Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2022
The original steam engines were replaced with two 2,775-hp MAN diesels, rendering the yellow funnel redundant.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2023
One of his earliest railroad memories is a steam engine ride from Kentucky to Texas during World War II.
—Maggie Scales, BostonGlobe.com, 21 July 2023
Their authentic steam engine train is over 110 years old.
—Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press, 23 Mar. 2023
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Patricia Harris and David Lyon, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2023
And while the film features an array of mind-blowing stunts, including Ethan driving a motorcycle off a cliff or a climatic fight atop a moving steam engine train, there was also plenty of emotion for Balfe to root his score in.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 July 2023
Looking back in history, the steam engine developed by James Watt in 1769 not only revolutionized the power of machines but also revolutionized locomotion when applied to steamships and steam locomotives.
—Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2023
The first Industrial Revolution was powered by the steam engine, the second by the automobile, and the third by the Internet and personal computer.
—Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2023
On Saturday, the comedian, 72, was working on a steam engine underneath a car in his garage when a fire began.
—Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2022
The original steam engines were replaced with two 2,775-hp MAN diesels, rendering the yellow funnel redundant.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2023
One of his earliest railroad memories is a steam engine ride from Kentucky to Texas during World War II.
—Maggie Scales, BostonGlobe.com, 21 July 2023
Their authentic steam engine train is over 110 years old.
—Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press, 23 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'steam engine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1751, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near steam engine
Cite this Entry
“Steam engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steam%20engine. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
steam engine
noun
: an engine driven by steam
More from Merriam-Webster on steam engine
Nglish: Translation of steam engine for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about steam engine
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