steam
noun
\ ˈstēm
\
\
Definition of steam
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a vapor arising from a heated substance
2a
: the invisible vapor into which water is converted when heated to the boiling point
b
: the mist formed by the condensation on cooling of water vapor
3a
: water vapor kept under pressure so as to supply energy for heating, cooking, or mechanical work
also
: the power so generated
c
: pent-up emotional tension
needed to let off a little steam
4a
: steamer sense 2a
b
: travel by or a trip in a steamer
steam
verb
steamed;
steaming;
steams
Definition of steam (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to give out as fumes : exhale
2
: to apply steam to
especially
: to expose to the action of steam (as for softening or cooking)
1
: to rise or pass off as vapor
2
: to give off steam or vapor
3a
: to move or travel by the agency of steam
b
: to move or proceed with energy or force
4
: to be angry : boil
steaming over the insult
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Synonyms for steam
Synonyms: Verb
boil, burn, foam, fume, rage, rankle, seethe, sizzle, storm
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Examples of steam in a Sentence
Noun
Careful, the steam from the pot is hot. The boat runs on steam. He wiped the steam from the mirrors. He was afraid he would run out of steam before the end of the race. I was making good progress this morning, but now I'm starting to run out of steam.Verb
a steaming bowl of soup She prefers to steam carrots rather than boil them. Their breath steamed the windows.
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
The organization quadrupled its sports medicine space, which now features two hydrotherapy pools, two plunge pools, a float pod, a sauna and a steam room. — Dan Wiederer, chicagotribune.com, "A look inside the expanded and remodeled Halas Hall," 29 Aug. 2019 Across the property, a detached guesthouse adds a game room, gym and steam room. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, "Matt Kemp slashes price of custom Poway mansion yet again," 23 Aug. 2019 Attendants offer mint tea before the steam room and cool glasses of water or herbal beverages before exfoliation. — Starlight Williams, National Geographic, "Finding the perfect soak in Marrakech," 7 Aug. 2019 Some offers also include add-on services for an extra fee, and free access to hotel amenities, private pools, relaxation rooms, saunas and steam rooms, so plan to stay and settle in. — Doreen Christensen, sun-sentinel.com, "Relax, dine and save: South Florida spa and restaurant deals run through Sept. 30 | Doreen’s Deals," 1 Aug. 2019 Be sure to give yourself enough time to breathe deeply in the spa’s eucalyptus steam rooms, too. — Sarah Kuta, The Know, "Serious self-care: A guide to Colorado’s must-visit spas," 30 July 2019 There are ample chaises and sectionals for lounging, stadium-style seating for swim competition crowds and a poolside steam room. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Mission Beach Plunge pool reopens after 5 years and $12M in fixes," 3 July 2019 The pet-friendly, nonsmoking hotel features 310 rooms, sleek decor, and a sauna and steam room for post-climbing relaxation. — Erin E. Williams, Dallas News, "Stunning vistas, modern museums and great food make Reno a solid bet," 2 July 2019 The spa features a eucalyptus steam room, a dry sauna, a Jacuzzi and outdoor showers, in addition to an outdoor relaxation space with water flowing into a Zen reflecting pool. — Jennifer Franklin, USA TODAY, "Discover the best places to chill out poolside at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa," 1 July 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Outside of the Arizona schools in their steaming heat, every Saturday game should start between noon and 4 p.m. local time. — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "Sign of Kawhi Leonard’s influence: NBA stars skipping World Cup en masse," 26 July 2019 Amofah, 29, was best known for posting Nintendo gaming videos on YouTube and the Twitch steaming platform. — Tara Law, Time, "YouTube Personality 'Etika' Found Dead," 25 June 2019 Plunge eyes first into boiling or, better, steaming water? — Bill St. John, The Denver Post, "Preparing uni and lobster," 19 June 2019 Volunteers served chicken and drinks while Lions Club members stoked the stoves and hosed down rows of corn laid atop the stoves to cook, covered with burlap and steaming in their own sweet juices. — Lois Szymanski, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "A year after flooding forced cancellation, Union Mills Homestead enjoys sun, crowds at corn roast," 3 Aug. 2019 More than 3,000 journalists looked on from a press site 3.2 miles from launch complex 39A where Apollo 11's mammoth, 36-story-tall Saturn 5 rocket stood steaming in the morning sun as supercold liquid oxygen boiled off and was vented overboard. — William Harwood, CBS News, "50 years later, Apollo 11's "one giant leap" remains a defining moment in human history," 14 July 2019 Head to a waterside spot like Cantler’s, outside of Annapolis, order a dozen jumbo crabs steamed in Old Bay, pop them apart with your bare hands and savor the lumps of sweet crab flesh within. — Maura Judkis, Washington Post, "Crab-picking is a treat, if you don’t mind slicing open your fingers while eviscerating a stinking carcass," 8 July 2019 His breath steamed in the cold, his teeth clenched. — Kyle Hopkins, ProPublica, "ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network," 16 May 2019 But at home, a few flowers, herbs, and oils in a bath or steaming in a shower can do wonders to liven up the senses, for relaxation or restoration. — Dianca London Potts, SELF, "8 Modern Witches Share Their Daily Beauty Rituals," 11 Apr. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'steam.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for steam
steam
noun
English Language Learners Definition of steam
(Entry 1 of 2)
: the hot gas that is created when water is boiled
: steam that is created by a machine and kept under pressure to provide power
: very small drops of water that form on a surface when warm air that contains a lot of water is cooled down