steer
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.”
verb
1
To control the direction of a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, typically using a wheel, rudder, or handlebars.
"She steered the boat carefully into the narrow harbour."
"He steered the car onto the motorway slip road."
"It takes practice to steer a bicycle with no hands on the bars."
2
To guide or push a person, group, or conversation toward a particular outcome or direction.
"The chairman steered the meeting away from a heated argument."
"She tried to steer her son toward a more practical career choice."
"Gently, the nurse steered the nervous patient toward the waiting room chairs."
noun
1
A castrated male of cattle, raised mainly for beef.
"The ranch kept a herd of steers for market."
"A young steer stood by the fence, chewing grass slowly."
"The farmer sold two steers at the market in the autumn."
2
A tip or recommendation about which way to act.
"Can you give me a steer on which supplier to use?"
"Our manager gave us a useful steer on how to handle the complaint."
"I could use a steer from someone who has done this before."
How to use steer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo guide the direction of something — a vehicle, a conversation, or a person's choices.
Common mistake
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.
Common pairings
steer a car
steer clear of
steer the conversation
give someone a steer
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Word forms
- Plural
- steers
- Third person singular
- 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."
Synonyms
View more →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.
