stern-wheeler

noun

stern-wheel·​er ˈstərn-ˈ(h)wē-lər How to pronounce stern-wheeler (audio)
: a steamboat driven by a single paddle wheel at the stern

Examples of stern-wheeler 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.
The rear of the boat, where the Dixie II has its paddle wheel, is the stern, and that’s why she may be called a stern-wheeler. Reed Parsell, Sacramento Bee, 25 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stern-wheeler was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near stern-wheeler

Cite this Entry

“Stern-wheeler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stern-wheeler. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

stern-wheeler

noun
stern-wheel·​er
ˈstərn-ˈhwē-lər
: a paddle-wheel steamer having a stern wheel instead of side wheels
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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