ENGLISH
REFERENCE

steering

n. · v.
US //ˈstɪɹɪŋ// UK //stˈiəɹɪŋ// steer·ing
  1. 1 vehicle control system (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the equipment in a vehicle, like a car or boat, that you use to control its direction.

    the mechanism or system of components used to control the direction of a vehicle or vessel. Uncountable in this mechanical sense.

    Example

    The steering on my old car feels a bit loose when I turn corners.

    Example

    Modern power steering systems use hydraulic or electric actuators to reduce the physical effort required by the driver to turn the wheels.

    Usage

    Often used as a compound noun, such as 'steering wheel' or 'steering column'.

  2. 2 guiding or directing (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of controlling the direction of a vehicle or a project.

    the present participle or gerund of 'steer', referring to the act of directing a vehicle or managing the course of an organisation.

    Example

    Steering a large ship through a narrow canal requires a lot of skill.

    Example

    Steering the company through the financial crisis required the CEO to make several difficult decisions regarding staff reductions.

    Usage

    As a gerund, it can function as the subject or object of a sentence.

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