steam table

noun

: a table having openings to hold containers of cooked food over steam or hot water circulating beneath them

Examples of steam table in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meat and potato soup inside the steam table was measured below proper hot holding temperature. — Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The same could be said for styrofoam cups and containers near the steam table. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 All three South Florida restaurants temporarily shut by the state last week had issues with live and dead roaches in various areas, including behind an ice machine, on a clean plate and under a steam table. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026 Observed house made creme brulee, house made cheesecake, house made key lime pie (45F-49F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from steam table on cook line. — Staff Reports, Florida Times-Union, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steam table

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of steam table was in 1819

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steam table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steam%20table. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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