steer
1to 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.
to direct the course of a vessel, vehicle, airplane, or the like, by the use of a rudder or other means.
to pursue a course of action.
(of a vessel, vehicle, airplane, etc.) to be steered or guided in a particular direction or manner.
Informal. a suggestion about a course of action; tip: He got a good steer about finding the right job.
Idioms about steer
steer clear of, to stay away from purposely; avoid: She steered clear of any deep emotional involvements.
Origin of steer
1Other words from steer
- steer·a·ble, adjective
- steer·a·bil·i·ty, noun
- un·steer·a·ble, adjective
Other definitions for steer (2 of 3)
a male bovine that is castrated before sexual maturity, especially one raised for beef.
Origin of steer
2Other definitions for steer (3 of 3)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use steer in a sentence
“He lost half of himself after Howard died,” says Burr Steers, his nephew.
He told his nephew Burr Steers he had successfully pursued and had sex with Fred Astaire when he first moved to Hollywood.
Venture capital funding also steers clear, with a 39th-place finish in Access to Capital.
Thankfully (or perhaps not, for some expectant theatergoers), the play steers clear of nudity and anything too explicit.
‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Musical Goes Off-Broadway | Lizzie Crocker | January 13, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTCohen says he steers clear of trendy women who haunt the designer shops on Madison Avenue.
The only thing I can think of 'em doing is shaking buffalo robes and running off live stock—not raising steers to sell.
Mystery Ranch | Arthur ChapmanIt appeared by his narrative that one of the steers had driven a sharp stick into its foot in such a way as to lame it badly.
Gold-Seeking on the Dalton Trail | Arthur R. ThompsonInstantly there was a mix-up, with bellowing, plunging steers all about him.
The Pony Rider Boys in Texas | Frank Gee Patchin"They seem to be cutting out a bunch of steers," answered Tad.
The Pony Rider Boys in Texas | Frank Gee PatchinThere is generally considerable variety of stock, but where the fattening of steers is the main object few or no sheep are kept.
Argentina | W. A. Hirst
British Dictionary definitions for steer (1 of 2)
/ (stɪə) /
to direct the course of (a vehicle or vessel) with a steering wheel, rudder, etc
(tr) to guide with tuition: his teachers steered him through his exams
(tr) to direct the movements or course of (a person, conversation, etc)
to pursue (a specified course)
(intr) (of a vessel, vehicle, etc) to admit of being guided in a specified fashion: this boat does not steer properly
steer clear of to keep away from; shun
mainly US information; guidance (esp in the phrase a bum steer)
Origin of steer
1Derived forms of steer
- steerable, adjective
- steerer, noun
British Dictionary definitions for steer (2 of 2)
/ (stɪə) /
a castrated male ox or bull; bullock
Origin of steer
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with steer
In addition to the idiom beginning with steer
- steer clear of
also see:
- bum steer
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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