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steer

SaySTEER/stɪɹ/UK/stɪə(ɹ)/

Verbsteers, steering, steered

Noun pluralsteers

9 meanings of steer

Practice

  1. 1
    verbintransitive
    To control which way a car, boat, or plane goes. Also used of how a vehicle responds to this.

    Like turning a bike's handlebars to pick which way you go.

    She had to steer carefully on the icy mountain road.

    He steered toward the harbor as the wind picked up.

    UsageSay steer toward a place. Steer clear of means stay away from.

  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To guide people, a group, a plan, or a conversation in a particular direction or toward a particular result.

    Like guiding a friend by the elbow toward the right door.

    The host steered the guests toward the buffet table.

    Good teachers steer students away from careless mistakes.

    UsageSay steer someone toward or away from something.

    Similarguide, direct, lead, shepherd, nudge

  3. 3
    move an objectverbtransitive
    To send or guide an object to a certain spot.

    Like guiding a marble into a hole with your finger.

    She steered the ball into the net with her knee.

    Players steer the puck toward the open goal.

    Similarguide, direct, maneuver, move

    Note
  4. 4
    behaveverbreflexiveintransitive
    To behave or act in a chosen way over time.

    Like choosing your own path on a long walk.

    She tried to steer a middle course between her two friends.

    We must steer carefully through these uncertain times.

    UsageSay steer a middle course.

    Similarnavigate, proceed

  5. 5
    male cattlenouncountable
    A male cow that has been castrated, often raised for meat.

    The farmer sold three steers at the autumn market.

    A young steer grazed quietly near the fence.

    Similarbullock, ox

    Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1–4, 6–7, 9

From Old English stēoran, meaning 'to steer or guide a vessel.' The noun came from an Old English word meaning 'steering' or 'direction.'

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

  • The verb derives from Old English stēoran, meaning to steer or guide a vessel. en.wiktionary.org
  • The noun derives from an Old English word meaning steering or direction. en.wiktionary.org
Meanings 5, 8

From Old English stēor, meaning 'a young bull or cow.' Its earlier history is uncertain. It may be related to other ancient words for 'bull'.