steamer

noun

steam·​er ˈstē-mər How to pronounce steamer (audio)
Synonyms of steamernext
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

Examples of steamer in a Sentence

We rode a steamer down the Mississippi.
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.
Place the steamer basket over the pot and bring the liquid to a simmer. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025 This Pure Daily steamer has an ultrasonic vaporizer that releases fine mist and gently hydrates skin. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025 To cook oysters in their shells, the CDC recommends boiling them until the shells are open or adding the oysters to a steamer for about four to nine minutes. Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 24 Dec. 2025 Check out some of our favorite steamers. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steamer

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of steamer was in 1802

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steamer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steamer. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

steamer

noun
steam·​er ˈstē-mər How to pronounce steamer (audio)
1
: a container in which something is steamed
2
a
: a ship driven by steam
b
: an engine, machine, or vehicle run by steam

More from Merriam-Webster on steamer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!