1. the cheapest class of passenger accommodations on a ship, typically located in the lower decks
Usage: nautical; historical
2. the act or process of steering a ship or vehicle
Usage: nautical

Examples

• Many immigrants traveled to America in steerage because they couldn’t afford better accommodations.
• The steerage passengers were crowded into the lower decks of the ship.
• His family made the journey from Ireland in steerage class.
• The captain took control of the steerage when they entered the harbor.
• Poor steerage caused the ship to drift off course.
• The crew was responsible for the steerage of the vessel through rough waters.