steer

¹

[ steer ]

verb (used with object)

1. to guide the course of (something in motion) by a rudder, helm, wheel, etc.:

   to steer a bicycle.

2. to follow or pursue (a particular course).
3. to direct the course of; guide:

   I can steer you to the best restaurant in town.

verb (used without object)

1. to direct the course of a vessel, vehicle, airplane, or the like, by the use of a rudder or other means.
2. to pursue a course of action.
3. (of a vessel, vehicle, airplane, etc.) to be steered or guided in a particular direction or manner.

noun

1. Informal. a suggestion about a course of action; tip:

   He got a good steer about finding the right job.

steer

²

[ steer ]

noun

, plural steers, (especially collectively) steer.

1. a male bovine that is castrated before sexual maturity, especially one raised for beef.

steer

³

[ steer ]

verb (used with or without object)

, British Dialect.

1. stir ¹.

steer

¹

/ stɪə /

noun

1. a castrated male ox or bull; bullock

steer

²

/ stɪə /

verb

1. to direct the course of (a vehicle or vessel) with a steering wheel, rudder, etc
2. tr to guide with tuition

   his teachers steered him through his exams

3. tr to direct the movements or course of (a person, conversation, etc)
4. to pursue (a specified course)
5. intr (of a vessel, vehicle, etc) to admit of being guided in a specified fashion

   this boat does not steer properly

6. steer clear of
   to keep away from; shun

noun

1. information; guidance (esp in the phrase a bum steer )

Derived Forms

• ˈsteerable, adjective
• ˈsteerer, noun

Other Words From

• steera·ble adjective
• steera·bili·ty noun
• un·steera·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of steer¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English steren, stere, stieren, Old English stēoran, stēran, stíoran, stýran, akin to stēor, stýr “steering, guidance”; cognate with German steuern, Old Norse stȳra, Gothic stiurjan

Origin of steer²

First recorded before 900; Middle English ster(e), Old English stēor “young bull or ox,” cognate with Dutch, German Stier, Old Norse stjōrr, Gothic stiur

Word History and Origins

Origin of steer¹

Old English stēor; related to Old Norse stjōrr, Gothic stiur, Old High German stior, Middle Dutch stēr

Origin of steer²

Old English stieran; related to Old Frisian stiūra, Old Norse stӯra, German stevern; see starboard , stern ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. steer clear of, to stay away from purposely; avoid:

   She steered clear of any deep emotional involvements.

More idioms and phrases containing steer

In addition to the idiom beginning with steer , also see bum steer .

Example Sentences

And Epstein continues to steer money toward universities to advance scientific research.

From The Daily Beast

This is the Mexico that U.S. college students would be wise to steer clear of on spring break.

From The Daily Beast

A successful trend-maker might be able to steer a conversation, but virality remains extremely difficult to predict.

From The Daily Beast

In first person, Grand Theft Auto lets you be the kind of criminal you want to be, rather than just steer one.

From The Daily Beast

I have just been the man in the middle, trying to make sure that we steer the right course.

From The Daily Beast

Then, with one accord, they all rose and began to steer their way around the furniture toward the hall, Goliath following.

From Project Gutenberg

Knowing by experience that he would soon be up to it, he used his pole with all his might, hoping to steer clear of it.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, to steer a middle course between my duty to my force and my loyalty to K. is not so simple as it might seem.

From Project Gutenberg

Looks like good stock, that calf does; 's if 't might make a nice steer, but 'twon't never be a cow to give milk.

From Project Gutenberg

With his hat he signalled his brother to steer for the General Price, and on the two rams rushed, the Queen slightly ahead.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• drive
• escort
• govern
• herd
• shepherd