steamer

noun

steam·​er ˈstē-mər 

1

: a vessel in which articles are subjected to steam

2

a

: a ship propelled by steam

b

: an engine, machine, or vehicle operated or propelled by steam

3

: one that steams

4

: soft-shell clam

Examples of steamer in a Sentence

We rode a steamer down the Mississippi.

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike a traditional steamer, the Quuejenl steamer also has a dry function that performs tasks where an iron may be better suited, like creating delicate pleats or pressing shirt collars. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Bossel suggests using a steamer to blast seams, crevices, and furniture legs with sustained heat—10 to 30 seconds per section. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025

The businessman, who at the time operated a restaurant in a three-story Mississippi-style paddle steamer on Sentosa island, dreamed of turning the ship into a venture that could benefit Christian charitable causes. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025

Long renowned for its thriving seafood scene, Massachusetts draws tourists each year to dine on steamers, oysters and New England clam chowder, but this storied state is perhaps best known for its lobster. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing steamer

• steamer rug
• steamer trunk

Rhymes for steamer

• beamer
• creamer
• dreamer
• femur
• lemur
• reamer
• schemer
• streamer
• redeemer

Kids Definition

steamer

noun

steam·​er ˈstē-mər 

1

: a container in which something is steamed

2

a

: a ship driven by steam

b

: an engine, machine, or vehicle run by steam