How to Pronounce Steam

To pronounce "steam", say STEAM — one syllable, IPA /stiːm/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

steam

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/stiːm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “steam”

"steam" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with gleam and beam, if that helps it stick.

What does steam mean?

noun

  1. The vapor formed when water changes from liquid phase to gas phase.
  2. Pressurized water vapour used for heating, cooking, or to provide mechanical energy.

verb

  1. To cook with steam.

    “The best way to cook artichokes is to steam them.”

  2. To expose to the action of steam; to apply steam to for softening, dressing, or preparing.

    “to steam wood or cloth”

adjective

  1. Old-fashioned; from before the digital age.

Synonyms

steamer

Antonyms

electric

Hear “steam” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with steam

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

gleambeamesteemschemecreamthemestreamdreampassimscreamteamdaydream

Related words

vaporevaporativemistvapourheatheatingtidecanister

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "steam"?▾

"Steam" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "steam"?▾

The IPA transcription of "steam" is /stiːm/.

What does "steam" mean?▾

Steam: The vapor formed when water changes from liquid phase to gas phase.

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