First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1steer
noun \ˈstir\
Definition of STEER
1
: a male bovine animal and especially a domestic ox (Bos taurus) castrated before sexual maturity — compare stag 3
2
: an ox less than four years old
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Origin of STEER
Middle English, from Old English stēor young ox; akin to Old High German stior young ox
Rhymes with STEER
2steer
verb
: to control the direction in which something (such as a ship, car, or airplane) moves
—used to describe how easy or difficult it is to steer a vehicle
: to be moved or guided in a particular direction or along a particular course
Full Definition of STEER
transitive verb
1
: to control the course of : direct; especially : to guide by mechanical means (as a rudder)
2
: to set and hold to (a course)
intransitive verb
1
: to direct the course (as of a ship or automobile)
2
: to pursue a course of action
3
: to be subject to steering <the car steers well>
— steer·able \ˈstir-ə-bəl\ adjective
— steer·er noun
— steer clear
: to keep entirely away —often used with of <tries to steer clear of debt>
See steer defined for English-language learners
Origin of STEER
Middle English steren, from Old English stīeran; akin to Old English stēor- steering oar, Greek stauros stake, cross, stylos pillar, Sanskrit sthavira, sthūra stout, thick
First Known Use: 12th century
Related to STEER
Synonym Discussion of STEER
guide, lead, steer, pilot, engineer mean to direct in a course or show the way to be followed. guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers <guided the scouts through the cave>. lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order <led his team to victory>. steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly <steered the ship through a narrow channel>. pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course <piloted the bill through the Senate>. engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan <engineered his son's election to the governorship>.
3steer
noun
4steer
Definition of STEER
dialect British variant of stir
STEERER Defined for Kids
1steer
verb \ˈstir\
steeredsteer·ing
Definition of STEER for Kids
1
: to make a vehicle move in a particular direction <steer a boat> <… she didn't even try to steer around the bumps and holes. — Jack Gantos, Joey Pigza Loses Control>
2
: to guide or change the direction of something <I tried to steer the conversation away from politics.>
3
: to follow a course of action <She steers clear of girls who gossip.>
2steer
noun
Definition of STEER for Kids
: a castrated bull usually raised for beef
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