a seaport of Holland, in the province of South Holland, at the confluence of the Schie with the Meuse, 4 miles W. of Rotterdam. It has several regular, broad, and handsome streets, and not a few splendid buildings. The exchange is considered the finest of these; and there are also a town-hall, elegant concert-hall, and churches of various sects. Schiedam possesses numerous schools, a public library, benevolent institutions, &c. Its manufactures include hardware, glass, ropes, whitelead, linen, and flax. But it is best known for its distilleries of gin or Hollands, of which there are more than 200. There is a considerable trade in this, as well as in grain and coals. Many of the inhabitants are employed in the herring fishery. Pop. 12,500.