steer

¹ American  

[steer] / stɪər /

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.

idioms

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

   She steered clear of any deep emotional involvements.

steer ² American  

[steer] / stɪər /

noun

plural

steers,

plural

steer

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

---

steer ³ American  

[steer] / stɪər /

verb (used with or without object)

British Dialect.

1. stir.

---

steer ¹ British  

/ 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. to keep away from; shun

---

noun

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

steer ² British  

/ stɪə /

noun

1. a castrated male ox or bull; bullock

---

steer More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing steer

• bum steer

---

Other Word Forms

• steerability noun
• steerable adjective
• steerer noun
• unsteerable adjective

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

The generals loosened their grip for a decade-long democratic experiment beginning in 2011, allowing Aung San Suu Kyi to ascend as civilian leader and steer a period of reform as the nation opened up.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

It also follows a nascent U.S. effort to steer fuel and other commercial lifelines to Cuba’s small private sector while bypassing the state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Whether the above is enough for you to steer clear of NordVPN, I’ll leave up to you.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

My folks would steer me toward books that they thought I’d go for.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Nat said, “You steer a straight course, Chad.”

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Related Words

• drive
• escort
• govern
• herd
• shepherd