steamer

American  

[stee-mer] / ˈsti mər /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to travel by steamship.

steamer British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of steamer

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

Example Sentences

He was chased down as a fugitive aboard a Turkish steamer, returned to the U.S. for trial—and acquitted.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I’m going round the world on a tramp steamer, like the fellow who wrote this book.”

From Literature

He left behind a massive steamer trunk full of manuscripts, many of which were attributed to artists not named Fernando Pessoa.

From Los Angeles Times

"William was on the sprouts, getting his sprouts ready so they could go into the steamer, and Prince George was helping with the Yorkshire puddings," said Mr Clarke.

From BBC

Chi Vibes compact steamer – The Chi Vibes compact steamer is a handy travel gadget that proves really useful when needed.

From Salon

Related Words

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