A steamship is a type of vessel that is powered by steam engines. These engines use steam generated from boiling water to create pressure, which drives the ship's propellers or paddles. Steamships were widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for both passenger and cargo transport across oceans and rivers. The invention of the steamship revolutionized maritime travel and trade, making it faster and more efficient than sailing ships. Notable examples include the SS Great Britain, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, which was one of the first iron-hulled, steam-powered ships to cross the Atlantic Ocean.