steamroller

American  

[steem-roh-ler] / ˈstimˌroʊ lər /

noun

1. a heavy steam-powered vehicle having a roller for crushing, compacting, or leveling materials used for a road or the like.

2. (not in technical use) any similar vehicle with a roller.

3. an overpowering force, especially one that crushes all opposition with ruthless disregard for individual rights.

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verb (used with object)

1. to crush or flatten with a steamroller.

2. to overcome with superior force.

   to steamroller the competition.

3. to bring about the adoption of by overwhelming pressure.

   to steamroller the resolution through.

verb (used without object)

1. to proceed with implacable force.

adjective

1. suggestive of a steamroller; ruthlessly overpowering.

   steamroller tactics.

steamroller British  

/ ˈstiːmˌrəʊlə /

noun

1. 1. a steam-powered vehicle with heavy rollers at the front and rear used for compressing road surfaces during road-making

   2. another word for roadroller

2. 1. an overpowering force or a person with such force that overcomes all opposition

   2. ( as modifier )

      steamroller tactics

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verb

1. (tr) to crush (opposition, etc) by overpowering force

Etymology

Origin of steamroller

First recorded in 1865–70; steam + roller ¹

Explanation

One of the large vehicles you might see on a construction site or road crew is a steamroller, which uses a large, heavy cylinder to smooth the surface of a road or other paved area. Be sure to stay out of its way! Many people use the word steamroller to mean "road roller," although strictly speaking that's incorrect, since these modern vehicles aren't powered by a steam engine. A true steamroller had a smokebox and chimney, and the steam it produced enabled it to move forward as it rolled and compressed the surface below. Used figuratively, steamroller means something or someone that moves forward relentlessly, without regard for anyone who happens to be in the way.

Example Sentences

Leeds Rhinos stayed top of Super League as they ran in eight tries to steamroller Catalans Dragons at Headingley.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

"It's been the steamroller all season. That's the one thing you could take to the bank," said Davis.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

It took a combination of every single element that transformed Indiana from an afterthought into college football’s 16-0 steamroller this season: a perfect storm of bold coaching, undervalued talent, and gamechanging guts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

Awards season steamroller “ Oppenheimer ” is among the nominees for the PGA’s top award to be handed out later Sunday night.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2024

The small personal satisfaction he felt came from his having passed one of the most grueling tests of his career by showing the courage “to ‘stand up in meeting’ and say ‘No’ to a steamroller.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik