steampunk

American  

[steem-puhngk] / ˈstimˌpʌŋk /

Or steam punk,

noun

1. a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy featuring advanced machines and other technology based on steam power of the 19th century and taking place in a recognizable historical period or a fantasy world.

2. a subculture inspired by this literary and film subgenre.

   the fashions and gadgets of steampunk.

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Usage

What does steampunk mean? Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that features advanced machinery based on the steam-powered technology of the 1800s. It is typically set in a recognizable historical period or fantasy world. Steampunk is also an aesthetic movement that is inspired by this literary subgenre and by 19th-century technology in general, especially the steam engine.

Etymology

Origin of steampunk

First recorded in 1985–90; modeled on cyberpunk

Explanation

Steampunk is science fiction that's set in the 1800s and features the steam-powered technology of that era. Steampunk books, movies, and graphic novels imagine a futuristic world with elements of 19th century fashion and technology. Some steampunk machines, vehicles, and fashions seem like they were imagined in the 1800s. The word was coined in the late 1980s, modeled on cyberpunk, with steam referring to Victorian era steam engines. A steampunk outfit could include a long skirt and petticoat worn with brass goggles, or a vest, top hat, and pocket watch.

Example Sentences

I’m pleased to report that the car’s most beguiling bit of cabin jewelry—the faceted gear selector, like a steampunk gaming cube embedded in the center console—made it through to the latest redesign.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 25, 2025

In many ways, Rebirth is closer to the kind of lighthearted, apolitical family games put out by Nintendo than the gritty steampunk vérité the original Final Fantasy VII sought to evoke.

From New York Times • Feb. 22, 2024

Some have feted it as a triumphant take on feminism amid what seems to be Victorian-era Europe, stuffed with steampunk fantasy, velvety colors and quirky charm.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2024

Stone picked up her second career Bafta, recognised for playing a British woman who is reanimated after being given the brain of a baby in steampunk fantasy Poor Things.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2024

All very steampunk without the steam, or the punk.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman