-
- 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
That’s because of a dynamic called the Jevons Paradox, named after English economist William Jevons, who in 1865 noticed that efficiency breakthroughs in steam engine design did not reduce coal consumption at all, but instead caused demand for the fuel to surge.
—
Christopher Helman, Forbes, 8 Feb. 2025
The company also built a well and a water tower alongside the railroad tracks where steam engine locomotives could stop and fill up.
—
John Carlisle, Detroit Free Press, 13 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for steam engine 
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 22 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