head of steam

noun phrase

: strong driving force : momentum
frequent rallies helped the movement develop a head of steam

Examples of head of steam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Garland’s speed proves troublesome, especially with a head of steam downhill, and new head coach Kenny Atkinson has done well putting Garland in position to get downhill. Mikai Bruce, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 That won’t come easily, because Nvidia has a huge head of steam and—notwithstanding a couple of recent minor production stumbles—is executing at a high level. Patrick Moorhead, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 While Utah does have a full head of steam and all the leverage with the IOC at the moment, there are issues facing the state’s residents. Christopher Kamrani, The Athletic, 24 Apr. 2024 With defensive rim protectors pulled away from the hoop to defend the three, NBA players are taking advantage of having more room to operate by getting a head of steam and throwing it down. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019 Afterwards, Henry explained that, after taking some time to gel, the Ravens offense is beginning to build up a head of steam. Ben Morse, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024 Guys aren’t getting a full head of steam coming down the field, taking shots on people. Sam Joseph, CNN, 2 Aug. 2024 Matthew Tkachuk got Florida on the board 1:53 later with a quick-release finish over Skinner after Evan Rodrigues stole the puck along the boards and fed it to Tkachuk with a head of steam low in the zone. Bailey Johnson, Washington Post, 19 June 2024 That does not allow players to gather the same head of steam for those tremendously violent collisions that occur with traditional kickoffs. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of head of steam was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near head of steam

Cite this Entry

“Head of steam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head%20of%20steam. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!