Main Entry: ¹step

Pronunciation: \ˈstep\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English stæpe; akin to Old High German stapfo step, stampfōn to stamp

Date: before 12th century

1 : a rest for the foot in ascending or descending: as a : one of a series of structures consisting of a riser and a tread b : a ladder rung
2 a (1) : an advance or movement made by raising the foot and bringing it down elsewhere (2) : a combination of foot or foot and body movements constituting a unit or a repeated pattern <a dance step> (3) : manner of walking : stride b : footprint 1 c : the sound of a footstep
3 a : the space passed over in one step b : a short distance c : the height of one stair
4 plural : course, way <directed his steps toward the river>
5 a : a degree, grade, or rank in a scale b : a stage in a process <was guided through every step of my career>
6 : a frame on a ship designed to receive an upright shaft; especially : a block supporting the heel of a mast
7 : an action, proceeding, or measure often occurring as one in a series <taking steps to improve the situation>
8 : a steplike offset or part usually occurring in a series
9 : an interval in a musical scale
10 : step aerobics
11 : a slight lead in or as if in a race <has a step on the competition>

— step·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— stepped \ˈstept\ adjective

— in step 1 : with each foot moving to the same time as the corresponding foot of others or in time to music
2 : in harmony or agreement

— out of step : not in step <out of step with the times>