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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 memorial later became the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, a 60,000-square-foot venue with exhibits, model ships, an operating steam engine and other artifacts.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024
The English economist William Stanley Jevons noted way back in 1865 that improvements to the steam engine made coal cheaper, leading to more coal use.
—Vijay Kolinjivadi, TIME, 14 Dec. 2024
The same is true for the advent of the internet, steam engine or industrial robotics.
—Kevin Korte, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Christmas train decked out in bright lights spotted chugging along
Travelers looking to make their way to England can view the Christmas Train of Lights, which showcases a steam engine adorned in bright lights both inside and outside of the train.
—Perri Ormont Blumberg Fox News, Fox News, 26 Dec. 2024
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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 19 Jan. 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
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