steamer

[stee-mer]

noun

1. something propelled or operated by steam, as a steamship.

2. a person or thing that steams.

3. a device, pot, or container in which something is steamed.

4. soft-shell clam.

verb (used without object)

1. to travel by steamship.

steamer

/ ˈstiːmə /

noun

1. a boat or ship driven by steam engines

2. Also called: steam box. an apparatus for steaming wooden beams and planks to make them pliable for shipbuilding

3. a vessel used to cook food by steam

4. slang,  a clash of sporting teams characterized by rough play

Word History and Origins

Origin of steamer¹

First recorded in 1805–15; steam + -er ¹

Example Sentences

During summers, Horace and Charlie often worked alongside Daddy as bellmen, wearing uniforms to work, carrying guests’ steamer trunks up to their rooms, and responding to guests’ requests.

Read more on Literature

The Dessoug is the biggest steamer in the harbor & it has been sitting in the water ever since I got here.

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And when I was cooking an egg dish from an Instagram video recipe, the “Live” voice mode showed me how to make it without a steamer basket, no typing necessary.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Among the pieces that she had teased on social media were a sewing machine, a steamer, lamps, a “tiny side table,” a sequin romper, and a Bergdorf Goodman jacket.

Read more on MarketWatch

He shook hands with Indian independence leader and later its first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and crossed paths with actress Devika Rani on a steamer to Europe.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• barge 
• boat 
• craft 
• liner 
• ocean liner 
• tanker