steam

1 of 2

noun

1
: a vapor arising from a heated substance
2
a
: the invisible vapor into which water is converted when heated to the boiling point
b
: the mist formed by the condensation on cooling of water vapor
3
a
: water vapor kept under pressure so as to supply energy for heating, cooking, or mechanical work
also : the power so generated
b
: active force : power, momentum
got there under his own steam
sales began to pick up steam
also : normal force
at full steam
c
: pent-up emotional tension
needed to let off a little steam
4
b
: travel by or a trip in a steamer

steam

2 of 2

verb

steamed; steaming; steams

transitive verb

1
: to give out as fumes : exhale
2
: to apply steam to
especially : to expose to the action of steam (as for softening or cooking)

intransitive verb

1
: to rise or pass off as vapor
2
: to give off steam or vapor
3
a
: to move or travel by the agency of steam
b
: to move or proceed with energy or force
4
: to be angry : boil
steaming over the insult

Examples of steam in a Sentence

Noun Careful, the steam from the pot is hot. The boat runs on steam. He wiped the steam from the mirrors. He was afraid he would run out of steam before the end of the race. I was making good progress this morning, but now I'm starting to run out of steam. Verb a steaming bowl of soup She prefers to steam carrots rather than boil them. Their breath steamed the windows.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Topping that list was the luxurious spa that included several pools, two saunas, a steam room, and a myriad of services from facials to massage. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Dec. 2024 There’s a private spa with a steam room and cold plunge, and a gym is stocked with a Pilates reformer, a Peloton bike and other high-end workout equipment. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
Combining over 15 advanced cooking functions—from slow cooking, steaming, and chopping to kneading, frying, and sous-vide cooking—this device simplifies meal preparation without compromising quality. New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2024 This one is small enough to pack in a suitcase, and for steaming a few of his cotton shirts at a time. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steam 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English stem, from Old English stēam; akin to Dutch stoom steam

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of steam was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near steam

Cite this Entry

“Steam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steam. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

steam

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: the invisible vapor into which water is changed when heated to the boiling point
b
: the mist formed when water vapor cools
2
: water vapor kept under pressure so as to supply energy for heating, cooking, or mechanical work
also : the power so generated
3
a
: driving force : power
arrived under their own steam
b
: built-up tension
let off a little steam

steam

2 of 2 verb
1
: to rise or pass off as vapor
2
: to give off steam or vapor
3
: to move or travel by or as if by the power of steam
steamed up the river
4
: to be angry : boil
was steaming over the insult
5
: to expose to the action of steam (as for softening or cooking)
steamed clams

More from Merriam-Webster on steam

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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