steam heat

American  

noun

1. heat obtained by the circulation of steam in pipes, radiators, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of steam heat

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

There has been much discussion about possible health benefits of sweating - spas offer services promising to "sweat out toxins," using steam, heat, and infrared light.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

Centralized steam boilers powered by natural gas or oil typically provide the heat, and they are wasteful — the NYCHA’s climate mitigation roadmap calls steam heat “19th-century technology incompatible with 21st-century needs.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2024

When a volcano erupts, it releases ash, smoke, steam, heat, gases and fine particulates into the atmosphere.

From Washington Post • Mar. 5, 2022

Truman also added steam heat to the presidential lodge, allowing the retreat to be used year-round.

From Washington Times • Nov. 21, 2017

These mansions had been built by wealthy white families in the late nineteenth century and included two to four bathrooms, electric lighting, gas furnaces, and steam heat.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield