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

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.

From BBC

When they served their first steamer of dim sum in 1933, a refined ambiance drew the elite clientele of the era.

From Salon

The first step is to sterilise the material in a steamer.

From BBC

Don't forget fruit and vegetables - the latter can be cooked with a steamer on one hob, rather than using different ones.

From BBC

Each bucket doubles as a steamer, filled with options like crab legs, shrimp, lobster tail, sausage, clams, corn, and potatoes, plus a seasoning packet.

From Salon

Related Words

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