steamer

noun

steam·​er ˈstē-mər 

1

: a vessel in which articles are subjected to steam

2

a

: a ship propelled by steam

b

: an engine, machine, or vehicle operated or propelled by steam

3

: one that steams

4

: soft-shell clam

Examples of steamer in a Sentence

We rode a steamer down the Mississippi.

Recent Examples on the Web

An old-fashioned Nantucket clambake—replete with the essentials like steamers, mussels, clam chowder, lobster, corn on the cob, potatoes, butter, and broth—awaits at Sayle’s Seafood starting at $42 per person. —Alex Erdekian, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 July 2024

Muir’s steamer paused at Adelaide, the capital of the state of South Australia, for only one day. —Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2024

The steamer measures about 11 inches high by 6 inches wide, and has a large handle, according to the notice. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

Place the eggs in a single layer on the bottom of the steamer basket, reduce heat to medium, and cover the pot. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing steamer

• steamer rug
• steamer trunk

Kids Definition

steamer

noun

steam·​er ˈstē-mər 

1

: a container in which something is steamed

2

a

: a ship driven by steam

b

: an engine, machine, or vehicle run by steam