Definition & Meaning of "steampunk"

What is "steampunk"?

Steampunk is a genre that blends elements of science fiction and fantasy with the aesthetics and technology of the 19th century, particularly the Victorian era. It imagines a world where steam power and early industrial technology are the primary sources of energy and innovation, often incorporating imaginative inventions and machinery. Steampunk stories typically feature outdated technology, such as airships, clockwork devices, and steam-powered robots, set against historical or alternate-history backdrops. The genre explores themes of adventure, invention, and societal change while maintaining a distinctive and old-fashioned style.