steer
Steer (verb) means to control the direction of a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, typically using a wheel, rudder, or handlebars. Example: “She steered the boat carefully into the narrow harbour.”
How to use steer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo guide the direction of something — a vehicle, a conversation, or a person's choices.
Don't confuse the verb (to guide) with the unrelated noun sense meaning a castrated bull raised for beef — context makes it obvious which is meant.
Word forms
- Singular
- steers
- Plural
- steers
- Past tense
- steered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the boat carefully into the narrow harbour.
Etymology
From Old English stēoran, "to steer or guide a vessel," related to the noun for a ship's rudder — the same root behind the word "stern."
Related words
Rhymes for steer
See all rhymes for steer →Frequently asked questions
What does “steer” mean?
The word “steer” means to control the direction of a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, typically using a wheel, rudder, or handlebars. In plain terms, to guide the direction of something — a vehicle, a conversation, or a person's choices.
How do you pronounce “steer”?
“Steer” is pronounced steer (/stɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “steer” in a sentence?
Here is “steer” used in a sentence: “She steered the boat carefully into the narrow harbour.”
What part of speech is “steer”?
Depending on how it is used, “steer” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “steer” come from?
The word “steer” comes from Old English. From Old English stēoran, "to steer or guide a vessel," related to the noun for a ship's rudder — the same root behind the word "stern.".
Is “steer” a common word?
“Steer” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “steer” have?
“Steer” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to control the direction of a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, typically using a wheel, rudder, or handlebars.
What is the difference between steer and drive?
Steer refers specifically to controlling the direction of a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft using a wheel, rudder, or handlebars, while drive covers the whole activity of operating a vehicle, including speed, gears, and route. You steer a car as one part of driving it.
What does it mean to steer a conversation?
To steer a conversation means to guide or push it toward a particular outcome or direction, similar to how a driver steers a vehicle, but applied figuratively to discussion, negotiation, or decision-making.
What is the difference between a steer and a bull?
A steer is a castrated male of cattle raised mainly for beef, whereas a bull is an intact male kept typically for breeding. Castration makes steers calmer and better suited to meat production.
What does it mean to give someone a steer?
To give someone a steer means to offer a tip or recommendation about which way to act, a mainly British informal usage distinct from the driving sense of the word.
