steam heat

American  

noun

1. heat obtained by the circulation of steam in pipes, radiators, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of steam heat

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

There has been much discussion about possible health benefits of sweating - spas offer services promising to "sweat out toxins," using steam, heat, and infrared light.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

Centralized steam boilers powered by natural gas or oil typically provide the heat, and they are wasteful — the NYCHA’s climate mitigation roadmap calls steam heat “19th-century technology incompatible with 21st-century needs.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2024

When a volcano erupts, it releases ash, smoke, steam, heat, gases and fine particulates into the atmosphere.

From Washington Post • Mar. 5, 2022

Later on in life I bought a house that had been built in 1870; at some point in its history the old pot belly stove had been replaced by steam heat.

From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2016

The weekend escape had offered a break from both office and climate, each mile north taking her farther away from the steam heat that had held the area hostage for the last few days.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly