sternwheel

adjective (of a vessel)

propelled by a paddle wheel at the stern.

Origin:
1855–60

Dictionary.com Unabridged

noun Nautical.

a paddle wheel at the stern of a vessel.

Origin:
1810–20; stern² + wheel

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source

Relevant Questions

00:10

Sternwheel is always a great word to know.

So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:

a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.

a fool or simpleton; ninny.

Example sentences

Take a trip back in time when sternwheel boats were one of the main modes of transportation.

The sternwheel is seated between the two monkey rudders and the four main rudders mounted at the end of the hull.

One placed the propelling wheel overhanging the stern of the boat and was called a sternwheel.

Michaels, taking with her a small army of mechanics to put the sternwheel steamer together.

Quote Of The Day

stern-wheel