Steerage Meaning in English
word
Definition
Historically, 'steerage' refers to the cheapest section on a passenger ship, where people traveled in simple and crowded conditions. It can also mean the part of a ship used for steering.
Usage & Nuances
'Steerage' is an old-fashioned, historical term mainly used when talking about ships from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Most often refers to passenger class, rarely to the actual steering mechanism. Common in immigration/migration stories.
Example Sentences
Many poor immigrants traveled in steerage across the Atlantic.
basic
The conditions in steerage were often uncomfortable and crowded.
basic
She bought a ticket for steerage because it was all she could afford.
basic
My great-grandfather has stories about being seasick in steerage during his journey to America.
natural
Crew members checked the steerage area every morning.
natural
Nobody wanted to end up in steerage if they could help it.
natural