Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Steerageway /(-wā`)/ · Steer·age·way · IPA /ˈstiɹɪd͡ʒˌweɪ/ 01 n. A rate of motion through the water sufficient to render a vessel governable by the helm. 1. A rate of motion through the water sufficient to render a vessel governable by the helm.(Naut.)