Word
steamy
US/ˈstimi/
UK/stˈiːmi/
Definition
adj. filled with steam or very hot and wet. It can also describe a story or movie that has a lot of romantic or sexual scenes.
adj. filled with or emitting steam; characterized by high humidity and heat. In a figurative sense, it describes content involving intense sexual or romantic themes.
Examples
“The bathroom was steamy after my long shower.”
“We hiked through the steamy jungle, where the air felt thick and heavy with moisture.”
“The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the cinematography but finding the steamy romance between the leads to be a distraction from the main plot.”
Examples
simple
“The bathroom was steamy after my long shower.”
contextual
“We hiked through the steamy jungle, where the air felt thick and heavy with moisture.”
complex
“The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the cinematography but finding the steamy romance between the leads to be a distraction from the main plot.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'become' or 'get'.
Real-World Examples
“Steamy jokes have flooded social media ahead of the release of the actress's latest film.” “At the height of Japan's steamy summer season, diners gather around long bamboo chutes where chilled somen noodles come sliding down streams of cold spring water.” Etymology
From steam + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/steamy