Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Both the Industrial Revolution and the steam engine that powered it were invented in England.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

We also approach the 250th anniversary of James Watt’s first commercial steam engine going on-line in March 1776, starting an industrial revolution.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

The whistle of a train interrupts the tourist chatter, and a steam engine pulling a long line of freight carriages slowly chugs across the railway bridge from Russia to North Korea.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2024

Once they arrived, inventions like the steam engine and indoor plumbing likely helped the insects travel further and get cozy living indoors, where they are most commonly found today.

From Seattle Times • May 20, 2024

Roger North’s notebook entry showing his drawing of a two-cylinder steam engine and the rack-and-pinion mechanism by which the pistons turn an axle.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton