Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Filled with steam or emitting moisture in the form of vapor or mist: Describes something that is very hot and producing visible steam.
   • Very hot and humid: Describes an atmosphere or condition that is extremely warm and damp, like steam.

2. Adverb:

   • (Used of heat) extremely: Used to intensify an adjective describing heat, meaning "very" or "extremely."

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • She poured water from the steaming kettle into the teapot.
  • The sidewalks were steaming after the summer rain.
  • They entered the steaming jungle, where the air was thick and hot.

• Adverb:

  • The soup was steaming hot when it was served.
  • Be careful, the plate is steaming hot.

Advanced Usage

• "steaming mad" (idiomatic, informal): Extremely angry.
  • He was steaming mad when he discovered the mistake.

Variants and Related Words

• Steam (n/v): The vapor into which water is converted when heated; to cook, clean, or move by the power of steam.
  • The engine runs on steam. / Steam the vegetables for five minutes.
• Steamy (adj): Resembling, full of, or characterized by steam; hot and humid. Can also mean erotic or passionate.
  • The steamy bathroom mirror. / A steamy romance novel.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Vaporous, misty, humid, sweltering.
• Adverb: Piping, scorching, blistering, extremely.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Steam up: To become covered with condensation.
  • The windows steamed up from the hot shower.
• Let off steam / Blow off steam: To release pent-up energy or strong feelings.
  • After work, he goes to the gym to blow off steam.

Related Idioms

• Full steam ahead: Proceeding with maximum speed and energy.
  • The project got approval, so it's full steam ahead!
• Run out of steam: To lose energy or enthusiasm.
  • The team started well but ran out of steam in the second half.

Adjective

1. filled with steam or emitting moisture in the form of vapor or mist
   • a steaming kettle
   • steamy towels

Adverb

1. (used of heat) extremely
   • the casserole was piping hot