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
steered past tense, steered past tense, steers plural, steers plural, Steers plural, steers singular, steers singular
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.