steerage

[ steer-ij ]

noun

1. a part or division of a ship, formerly the part containing the steering steer steering apparatus.
2. (in a passenger ship) the part or accommodations allotted to the passengers who travel at the cheapest rate.

steerage

/ ˈstɪərɪdʒ /

noun

1. the cheapest accommodation on a passenger ship, originally the compartments containing the steering apparatus
2. an instance or the practice of steering and the effect of this on a vessel or vehicle

Word History and Origins

Origin of steerage¹

First recorded in 1400–50, steerage is from the late Middle English word sterage. See steer ¹, -age

Example Sentences

The airlines have indoctrinated us to accept a “steerage complex.”

From The Daily Beast

Two thousand and seventy-four immigrants arrived in the steerage at New York.

From Project Gutenberg

There were other mournful cases indeed to be studied on the steerage deck, but none in which misfortune was so attractive.

From Project Gutenberg

There were those who said that they consented to go steerage because they thought steerage was fixed up like first cabin.

From Project Gutenberg

On sailed the boat, left to the steerage of Providence; on slept Newton, as if putting firm reliance on the same.

From Project Gutenberg

I carry with me into the steerage just a bit of self-consciousness—there are so many trying to play upon me.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• boating
• exploration
• shipping