step-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈstep-ˌin 

: an article of clothing put on by being stepped into: such as

a

: a shoe resembling but usually having a higher vamp than a pump and having concealed elastic to adjust the fit

b

: short panties for women

—usually used in plural

step-in adjective

step in

2 of 2

verb

stepped in; stepping in; steps in

intransitive verb

1

a

: to intervene in an affair or dispute

b

: to act as a replacement

2

: to make a brief informal visit

Synonyms

Verb

• call
• come by
• come over
• drop by
• drop in
• pop (in)
• run (over)
• run in
• stop (by or in)
• visit

Examples of step-in in a Sentence

Verb

I just stepped in to say hi on my way to class.

couldn't find anyone to step in for me so that I could take a break from my caregiving duties

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And players make step-in 3s at a notably higher rate than off the dribble or running off a screen. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024

With an overall geometry that leans into the carefree cycling of a beach cruiser and an easy-access step-in frame, the Electra Townie Go! —Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2024

The new soft and stretchy tongue delivers an easier step-in and more adaptive fit, making sliding these babies on and off a breeze. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2024

Cowboy's step-in app could be seen as a clever bit of guerrilla marketing, a sincere gesture of concern over soft-bricked e-bikes, or perhaps even a bit of empathy. —Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 17 July 2023

The entry floor holds the main bath plus two bedrooms; both have mini-split heat pumps, and the primary offers a walk-in closet and private bath with step-in double shower. —Jon Gorey, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2023

The primary bedroom features a walk-in closet, a spacious bath with double vanities and step-in shower, and sliders to a private balcony. —Jon Gorey, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2023

Three more bedrooms share a stylish new double-entry bath with step-in shower. —Jon Gorey, BostonGlobe.com, 21 July 2023

The frame uses a three-point mounting system to increase power transfer, control, and stability with this step-in design. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2023

Verb

Whoever the next Sharks coach is will have to help several of the team’s younger players, including William Eklund, Fabian Zetterlund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Henry Thrun, take the next step in their careers. —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 24 May 2024

Grilling Artichokes The first step in how to cook artichokes on the grill is to boil them first. —Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2024

That isn’t just because ISB, a community that boasts more than 3,000 regular attendees, is savoring the latest step in its continued expansion, this one costing about $250,000. —Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2024

Torrejón’s first steps in soccer were both typical and not. —María Garrido, New York Times, 24 May 2024

All of this comes after Cue’s board stepped in to reshape its leadership and expenses in the face of declining market value and investor pressure. —Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2024

The actor, 32, has stepped in for the day to direct one of The Good Doctor's final episodes because the director is sick. —Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 20 May 2024

Meanwhile, 23% said the government should not step in to regulate food producers. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 20 May 2024

Last month’s announcement from Cal State Fullerton was the latest step in what is shaping up to be nothing less than a second age of discovery. —Andre Mouchard, Orange County Register, 19 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1921, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

step-in

noun

-ˌin

: an article of clothing (as a dress or shoes) that can be put on by being stepped into