-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
steam engine
noun
: an engine driven or worked by steam
specifically
: a reciprocating engine having a piston driven in a closed cylinder by steam
Examples of steam engine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 1979, Allcroft met Awdry while making a documentary about British steam engines.
—
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2025
At first glance, the equation Shannon came up with has nothing to do with steam engines.
—
Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024
While the steam engine took 60 years to deliver any kind of economy-wide productivity gains, and the PC took 15, AI is already transforming how work gets done.
—
Chris Westfall, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Be sure to make time to ride the Silverwood Central Railway, which takes riders on a scenic 30-minute ride around the park aboard a 1915 steam engine with views of northern Idaho.
—
Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for steam engine ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2025-02-12--19-15-30-vga08/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1751, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near steam engine
Cite this Entry
“Steam engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steam%20engine. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
steam engine
noun
: an engine driven by steam
More from Merriam-Webster on steam engine
Nglish: Translation of steam engine for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about steam engine
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share