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

Portable steamers and irons are bulky and require an outlet, time, and patience. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026

Carefully remove ramekins/bowls from the steamer using tongs, place on a plate and finish with a drizzle of chili oil or generous spoonful of chili crisp. —Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

The dish is topped with a final wonton layer and a bit of chicken broth or water, then steamed in a steamer for about 25 minutes. —Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026

The shower itself may also come with accoutrements, like luxurious candles, shower steamers, or eucalyptus leaves for an aromatic experience. —Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing steamer

• steamer rug
• steamer trunk

Rhymes for steamer

• beamer
• creamer
• dreamer
• femur
• lemur
• reamer
• schemer
• streamer
• redeemer

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