steamboat

noun

steam·​boat ˈstēm-ˌbōt How to pronounce steamboat (audio)
: a boat driven by steam power
specifically : a shallow-draft vessel used on inland waterways

Examples of steamboat 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.
Poet's Way, Finland The Poet’s Way is a historic and scenic steamboat route in Finland, operated by the legendary S/S Tarjanne, the country’s last remaining passenger steamship on a regular schedule. Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 When shipping by sea was made obsolete by introducing faster and more efficient transportation methods, first with steamboats and later with railroads, distillers in Kentucky started aging barrels in warehouses next to the distillery to replicate the maturation at sea. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 Based on the concept art, the dirt track of the flagship attraction appeared to be replacing the beloved Rivers of America along with its island and steamboat. Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Learn about the floods, the drownings, the steamboats, the ferries and the bridges that make Shakopee the place to live. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steamboat

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of steamboat was in 1785

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Cite this Entry

“Steamboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steamboat. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

steamboat

noun
steam·​boat ˈstēm-ˌbōt How to pronounce steamboat (audio)
: a boat driven by steam

More from Merriam-Webster on steamboat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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