steam

noun

\ ˈstēm

Definition of steam

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a vapor arising from a heated substance

2a : 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

3a : 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

4a : steamer sense 2a

b : travel by or a trip in a steamer

steam

verb

steamed; steaming; steams

Definition of steam (Entry 2 of 2)

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

3a : 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

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about steam

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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: Noun

Lava from one of the fissures entered Kapoho Bay late Sunday or early Monday, forcing billowing clouds of steam into the atmosphere as hot lava hit the cool water of the Pacific Ocean. — Madison Park, CNN, "Lava filled up this Hawaiian bay and destroyed what could be hundreds of homes," 6 June 2018 Since early May, the volcano has burned dozens of homes, forced people to flee, and shot up plumes of steam from its summit. — Caleb Jones, BostonGlobe.com, "Hawaii lava reaches sea, injures man," 20 May 2018 Even if no doubt there will be some senseless backlash against him for a loss that was more about a depleted team running out of steam than anything else. — Vahe Gregorian, kansascity, "Charmed Loyola-Chicago Ramblers snuff out K-State's memorable season | The Kansas City Star," 24 Mar. 2018 But if the North American turnaround gains steam, investors may have a good deal more to cheer. — Elizabeth Winkler, WSJ, "Nike Engineers a Comeback," 20 Dec. 2018 The idea started to gain steam earlier this year when Zuckerberg first testified before Congress about the company’s data policies, and outside groups have pushed for the Federal Trade Commission to explore breaking up the social giant. — Kurt Wagner, Recode, "Mark Zuckerberg says breaking up Facebook would pave the way for China’s tech companies to dominate," 18 July 2018 Tiny pieces are picked up by the steam cloud, which contains hydrochloric acid that also is created by the interaction of lava and the ocean. — James Rogers, Fox News, "Hawaii volcano: Kilauea lava spews deadly 'laze' plume containing tiny shards of glass," 23 May 2018 Authorities on Sunday warned the public to stay away from the toxic steam cloud, which is formed by a chemical reaction when lava touches seawater. — CBS News, "Lava from Hawaii volcano oozes into ocean, creating new toxic hazard," 21 May 2018 Go over the entire sofa allowing just the steam to touch and penetrate the fabric. — Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping, "How to Clean a Couch Like a Pro," 29 Mar. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The Goo Goo Cluster Latte is a delightful blend of rich espresso and steamed milk combined with caramel, milk chocolate, peanut and nougat flavors. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, "Cracker Barrel's New Drink Is a Southerner's Dream Come True," 16 May 2018 So, without further ado, peek the best sloughing, soothing, and steaming cloths on the market. — Sophie Wirt, Allure, "The 6 Best Muslin Cloths for Exfoliating Your Face, According to Derms," 17 Apr. 2018 And furthermore, how to make fish that is smooth and crisp outside and flaky and steaming inside? — Eric Velasco, AL.com, "How to make fish and chips for St. Patrick's Day," 16 Apr. 2017 If pancake is steaming and not sizzling, increase heat and add another drop of oil. — Milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tasty Korean fare to cook up for the Olympics," 14 Feb. 2018 Havre de Grace Maritime Museum Shrimp and Barbecue Festival Take in the waterfront views while feasting on artisan chef Nic Galloro’s barbecue chicken, pork ribs or steamed shrimp, while sipping a glass of wine or a beer. — Allana Haynes, baltimoresun.com, "Summer festivals, fairs and other events in Harford County and around the state," 24 May 2018 Frying, roasting, broiling and baking certain foods are more likely to create acrylamide, while steaming, boiling or microwaving are less likely to do so. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "California Coffee Companies Must Display Cancer Warning Label, Judge Rules," 30 Mar. 2018 Not in New York these days, where solidarity, and steaming fulmination, are only a mystery delay away. — Gregory Krieg, CNN, "New York's Nixon-Cuomo primary is shaping up to be a blockbuster," 21 Mar. 2018 But manager Jeff Banister was still steamed by Jurickson Profar getting drilled by right-hander Addision Reed in the seventh inning. — Jeff Wilson, star-telegram, "Rangers steamed after Profar drilled by Twins for third time," 23 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'steam.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for steam

Last Updated

20 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for steam

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

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More Definitions for steam

steam

noun

English Language Learners Definition of steam

(Entry 1 of 2)

: the hot gas that is created when water is boiled

: steam that is created by a machine and kept under pressure to provide power

: very small drops of water that form on a surface when warm air that contains a lot of water is cooled down

steam

verb

English Language Learners Definition of steam (Entry 2 of 2)

: to produce steam

: to cook, heat, or treat (something) with steam

: to cause (something, such as a piece of glass) to become covered with small drops of water

See the full definition for steam in the English Language Learners Dictionary

steam

noun

\ ˈstēm

Kids Definition of steam

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the vapor into which water is changed when heated to the boiling point

2 : steam or the heat or power produced by it when kept under pressure Some houses are heated by steam.

3 : the mist formed when water vapor cools

4 : driving force : power By the end of the day, I had run out of steam.

steam

verb

steamed; steaming

Kids Definition of steam (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to give off steam or vapor The cocoa steamed fragrantly in the saucepan …— Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time

2 : to rise or pass off as steam Heat steamed from the pipes.

3 : to move or travel by or as if by the power of steam The ship steamed out of the harbor. She steamed past the fancy brick entrance to the golf course …— Carl Hiaasen, Hoot

4 : to expose to steam (as for cooking)