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Glite Dictionary
paddle steamer

paddle steamer

1 6.6
A boat that uses a steam engine and large paddle wheels to move
  • noun
  • /ˈpædəl ˈstiːmər/
  • Archaic
translation icon : barco de ruedas de palas
  • The paddle steamer glided gracefully along the river, its large wheels turning steadily in the water.

Rocket steamer, Paddle steamer, paddle steamer.

Examples

  • From the top of Camden Street, she watched as the crowds came out, drawing together on the wharves where market boats and paddle steamers sat docked, awaiting passengers and freight.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • The hopes were boosted by the fact that Cork was a pioneering center in the building of paddle steamers.

    Academic text (1993)

  • The Atlantic crossing was the domain of sailing ships, the arrival of the first United States paddle steamer Washington of the Ocean Steam Navigation Company in 1847 notwithstanding.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Throughout this 344-acre site, there are rides and displays geared to the US theme: a paddle steamer on an artificial lake, a Santa Fe railway, and a Rocky Mountain log flume.

    Academic text (1990)

  • Some two years ago, Allan, of North Shields, came across the wreck of the long-lost paddle steamer and minesweeper HMS Snaefell off the Sunderland coast, while in 2009 the team also discovered the

    Blog text (18)

  • During our vacation, we took a scenic cruise on a vintage paddle steamer that showcased the beauty of the lake.

  • Many tourists opt for a ride on the historic paddle steamer, which offers a unique view of the waterfront.

Synonyms

steamer
vspaddle steamer
  • Archaic
16 3.9

A ship that uses steam engines to carry people or goods

uses paddle wheel propulsion rather than general steam engine drive
steamboat
vspaddle steamer
  • Archaic
15 5.6

A boat powered by steam that worked on rivers in the 1800s

is the general term not limited to that historical period
steamship
vspaddle steamer
  • Archaic
6 3.7

A ship powered by steam engines

relies on paddle wheels for propulsion rather than just steam engines
paddle-wheeler
vspaddle steamer
  • Archaic
1 7.7

A steam boat with big wheels on the sides that push it through rivers or lakes

covers the same vessel type but not only river or lake use
paddleboat
vspaddle steamer
1 3.2

A large river boat with big wheels that push water to move

requires steam power rather than sometimes relying on it
side-wheeler
vspaddle steamer
  • Archaic
9.9

A steamboat with a large paddle wheel on each side that moves it through water

is the general form allowing side or rear paddle placement
sternwheeler
vspaddle steamer
  • Specialized
9.3

A steamboat with a large paddle wheel at the back used on rivers

is the general type which also includes side-mounted paddle arrangements

Surface Forms

paddle steamer singular
paddle steamers plural

Morphology

paddle + steamer

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'paddle' (a broad flat blade or paddle wheel component) with 'steamer' (a steam-powered vessel): a steamer propelled by paddles. This is a straightforward noun+noun compound following common compositional patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Paddle steamer is a simple name that gives a clear picture: a steamer is a 'boat' powered by steam, and paddle points to the big wheel-like paddles that push the water. So, the phrase means a steam-powered boat moved by 'paddle wheels'.