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steer
1[ steer ]
/ stɪər /
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verb (used with object)
to guide the course of (something in motion) by a rudder, helm, wheel, etc.: to steer a bicycle.
to follow or pursue (a particular course).
to direct the course of; guide: I can steer you to the best restaurant in town.
verb (used without object)
noun
Informal. a suggestion about a course of action; tip: He got a good steer about finding the right job.
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Idioms about steer
steer clear of, to stay away from purposely; avoid: She steered clear of any deep emotional involvements.
Origin of steer
1First 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
OTHER WORDS FROM steer
steer·a·ble, adjectivesteer·a·bil·i·ty, nounun·steer·a·ble, adjectiveWords nearby steer
Other definitions for steer (2 of 3)
steer2
[ steer ]
/ stɪər /
noun, plural steers, (especially collectively) steer.
a male bovine that is castrated before sexual maturity, especially one raised for beef.
Origin of steer
2First recorded before 900; Middle English ster(e), Old English stēor “young bull or ox,” cognate with Dutch, German Stier, Old Norse stjōrr, Gothic stiur
Other definitions for steer (3 of 3)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use steer in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for steer (1 of 2)
steer1
/ (stɪə) /
verb
noun
mainly US information; guidance (esp in the phrase a bum steer)
Derived forms of steer
steerable, adjectivesteerer, nounWord Origin for steer
Old English stieran; related to Old Frisian stiūra, Old Norse stӯra, German stevern; see starboard, stern ²
British Dictionary definitions for steer (2 of 2)
steer2
/ (stɪə) /
noun
a castrated male ox or bull; bullock
Word Origin for steer
Old English stēor; related to Old Norse stjōrr, Gothic stiur, Old High German stior, Middle Dutch stēr
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Other Idioms and Phrases with steer
steer
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.