steer

¹

[steer]

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.

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.

steer

²

[steer]

noun

plural

steers ,

plural

steer .

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

steer

³

[steer]

verb (used with or without object)

British Dialect.

1. stir.

steer

¹

/ 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

noun

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

steer

²

/ stɪə /

noun

1. a castrated male ox or bull; bullock

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of steer¹

Old English stieran; related to Old Frisian stiūra, Old Norse stӯra, German stevern; see _starboard , _stern ²

Origin of steer²

Old English stēor; related to Old Norse stjōrr, Gothic stiur, Old High German stior, Middle Dutch stēr

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

   She steered clear of any deep emotional involvements.

More idioms and phrases containing steer

• bum steer

Example Sentences

She also posted Phillips' reply, which said "the reason for the question is because there have been differing views and we want you to be able to give a clear steer on what you want".

Read more on BBC

The net’s original designers dealt with that imperfection by providing for the network to steer data away from blockages or other problems.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The United States is the primary military and diplomatic supporter of Israel and Rubio until recently had steered clear of criticizing annexation moves championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right allies.

Read more on Barron's

Zuckerberg has always been certain about her ability to steer the enterprise.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

West Ham have won three of their past five Premier League matches against Leeds and Nuno has promised he and his coaches will work hard to steer the team away from the bottom three.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• drive 
• escort 
• govern 
• herd 
• shepherd