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

Jim, young and idealistic, is chief mate on a steamer carrying 800 pilgrims from Singapore to Mecca.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

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.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 13, 2025

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

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2025

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 • Dec. 16, 2024

Over in Norway, during the summer of 1911, while taking a trip in a small coastal steamer in the Oslofjord, he met a young lady called Sofie Magdalene Hesselberg.

From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl

Related Words

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