steer

¹ American  

[steer] / stɪər /

verb (used with object)

1. to guide the course of (something in motion) by a rudder, helm, wheel, etc..

   to steer a bicycle.

2. to follow or pursue (a particular course).

3. to direct the course of; guide.

   I can steer you to the best restaurant in town.

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verb (used without object)

1. to direct the course of a vessel, vehicle, airplane, or the like, by the use of a rudder or other means.

2. to pursue a course of action.

3. (of a vessel, vehicle, airplane, etc.) to be steered or guided in a particular direction or manner.

noun

1. Informal. a suggestion about a course of action; tip.

   He got a good steer about finding the right job.

idioms

1. steer clear of, to stay away from purposely; avoid.

   She steered clear of any deep emotional involvements.

steer ² American  

[steer] / stɪər /

noun

plural

steers,

plural

steer

1. a male bovine that is castrated before sexual maturity, especially one raised for beef.

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steer ³ American  

[steer] / stɪər /

verb (used with or without object)

British Dialect.

1. stir.

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steer ¹ British  

/ stɪə /

verb

1. to direct the course of (a vehicle or vessel) with a steering wheel, rudder, etc

2. (tr) to guide with tuition

   his teachers steered him through his exams

3. (tr) to direct the movements or course of (a person, conversation, etc)

4. to pursue (a specified course)

5. (intr) (of a vessel, vehicle, etc) to admit of being guided in a specified fashion

   this boat does not steer properly

6. to keep away from; shun

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noun

1. information; guidance (esp in the phrase a bum steer )

steer ² British  

/ stɪə /

noun

1. a castrated male ox or bull; bullock

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steer More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing steer

• bum steer

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Other Word Forms

• steerability noun
• steerable adjective
• steerer noun
• unsteerable adjective

Etymology

Origin of steer¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English steren, stere, stieren, Old English stēoran, stēran, stíoran, stýran, akin to stēor, stýr “steering, guidance”; cognate with German steuern, Old Norse stȳra, Gothic stiurjan

Origin of steer²

First recorded before 900; Middle English ster(e), Old English stēor “young bull or ox,” cognate with Dutch, German Stier, Old Norse stjōrr, Gothic stiur

Example Sentences

Peng, who previously served as a technical project manager at the district, is accused of working to illegally steer contracts to Innive, a company owned by Sampath, prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Whether the above is enough for you to steer clear of NordVPN, I’ll leave up to you.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

By telling investors, businesses and households what monetary officials probably would do in the future, the Fed could steer behavior in the here and now.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

It advises parents to steer clear of fast-paced videos and use screens together where possible.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Put the light behind you and steer for the big red buoy.

From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick

Related Words

• drive
• escort
• govern
• herd
• shepherd