steamer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "steamer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any kind of vessel that is powered by steam, such as a steamboat or a steamship. For example, you could say: "We took a steamer down the river to visit the nearby town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After the Eiger and the glaciers of Grindelwald – colossal icy tongues that licked the village in the 1860s, but have retreated back into the mountains today – she returned to Interlaken to board the steamer across Lake Brienz to Giessbach Falls.

The Guardian - Travel

The couple also donated cash to keep the legendary paddle steamer, the Waverley, afloat and taking passengers.

The Guardian

"It was a really big change for us to use a steamer to do our vegetables.

The Guardian

Manju Parmar Clever cooking The families started to think about some of their kitchen-based habits for the first time, such as putting lids on saucepans; cooking vegetables in a steamer, instead of boiling them in separate pans on separate hobs; and using the correct size hob for the pan.

The Guardian

Everything about it seemed foreign and sophisticated: the waiter who pulled apart the tender duck with a fork, the bamboo steamer loaded with soft pancakes, and the fact that you were expected to assemble your own meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are like Fitzcarraldo in Werner Herzog's film, hauling the steamer over the mountain.

The Guardian - Music

Arrange the scallops, in batches if necessary, on a petal steamer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The steamer isn't meant to get over the mountain, and it is mad to try.

The Guardian - Music

When Miss Jemima stayed hereabouts, she was up at 4.30am to catch the carriage to Spiez, in order to meet the steamer crossing Lake Thun.

The Guardian - Travel

The Adventuress: The Irresistible Rise of Miss Cath Fox by Nicholas Coleridge In seconds the duke had lowered his trousers and boxers and positioned himself across a leather steamer trunk, emblazoned with the royal arms of Hohenzollern Castle.

The Guardian - Books

Their opponents carried a disassembled steamer in crates across Africa in order to outgun them on Lake Tanganyika.It came at a terrible cost.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a ship, be specific by using "steamship" or "paddle steamer" for clarity. The term "steamer" alone is often understood, but additional context improves precision.

Common error

Avoid using "steamer" as a generic term for all ships. It specifically refers to vessels powered by steam. Using it for a modern cargo ship or a sailboat would be incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "steamer" is as a noun. It denotes a vessel propelled by steam or a cooking appliance that uses steam. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in both contexts, and Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academic

9%

Wiki

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "steamer" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a steam-powered vessel or a cooking appliance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile. While "steamer" enjoys widespread use, as evidenced by the examples, remember it can also refer to a type of clam or even a wetsuit. When writing, ensure the context clarifies your intended meaning. For more precise communication, consider synonyms like "steamship" or "paddle steamer" when referring to vessels. Ludwig's examples show the term is predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steamship

A synonym referring to a ship propelled by steam.

paddle steamer

Specifies a type of steamer that uses paddle wheels for propulsion.

steam-powered vessel

A broader term encompassing any vessel powered by steam.

cooking steamer

Refers to a kitchen appliance that cooks food using steam.

traction engine

A steam-powered road locomotive.

steam fire engine

A fire engine using a steam boiler and engine to drive a pump.

steamer trunk

A type of luggage historically used on steamships.

soft-shell clam

A type of clam, also known as "steamer" when served steamed.

Mya arenaria

The scientific name for the soft-shell clam, sometimes called "steamer".

wetsuit

Specifically a full wetsuit with long sleeves and legs, sometimes called a "steamer".

FAQs

How can I use "steamer" in a sentence?

You can use "steamer" to refer to a steam-powered ship, as in "The "steamer crossed the Atlantic"", or to a cooking appliance, as in "She cooked the vegetables in a "cooking steamer"".

What's the difference between "steamer" and "steamship"?

"Steamer" is a general term for any vessel powered by steam. "Steamship" is a more specific term that refers to a large, ocean-going vessel powered by steam. In many contexts, they're interchangeable, but "steamship" provides more detail.

What else can "steamer" refer to?

"Steamer" can also refer to a cooking appliance that uses steam to cook food, a type of clam (soft-shell clam), or even a full wetsuit. Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "steamer" in formal writing?

Yes, "steamer" is appropriate in formal writing when used correctly to describe a steam-powered vessel or other accepted definitions. However, consider if a more specific term like "steamship" or "paddle steamer" might be more precise.