step
1step
noun \ˈstep\Definition of STEP
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
3
a : the space passed over in one step b : a short distance c : the height of one stair
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
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>
Examples of STEP
- She took one step forward.
- The baby took her first steps today.
- I heard steps on the stairs.
- The edge of the cliff was only about three steps to my left.
- The cottage is just steps from the beach.
- He walks with a spring in his step.
- She walked down the hall with a quick step.
- a major step towards independence
- We are taking steps to correct the situation.
Origin of STEP
Middle English, from Old English stæpe; akin to Old High German stapfo step, stampfōn to stamp
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to STEP
Related Words: act, action, deed, doing, feat, thing; course, procedure, proceeding, process; accomplishment, achievement, attainment, coup, exploit, success, triumph; activity, affair, business, dealing, enterprise, event; attempt, crack, endeavor, essay, fling, go, initiative, operation, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, undertaking, whack; effort, exertion, labor, pains, trouble, while, work; project, proposal, proposition; makeshift, resort, resource, stopgap; countermeasure, countermove, counterstep
Near Antonyms: infinity, light-year
Other Architecture Terms
Learn More About STEP
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up step? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).






See 

