SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

by step

Definition of by step

: in a series of steps The melody moves upward by step from D to C.

Word by Word Definitions

: a rest for the foot in ascending or descending: such as
: one of a series of structures consisting of a riser and a tread
: a ladder rung

: to move by raising the foot and bringing it down elsewhere or by moving each foot in succession
: dance
: to go on foot : walk

See the full definition of step

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up by step? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

fester

play

to become worse as time passes

Words at Play

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The Grammatical History of 'Awaken'/'Awoken'/'Awakened'

Or you can just go back to bed.

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Words We're Watching: 'Aquafaba'

Don't dump out the bean water just yet...

Words About Word Play

Don't just eat your words—play with them!

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'Drought' & 'Drouth' Take Us Back In Time

A variant spelling with a long history

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

The Emoji Quiz

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A Game of Thrones Word Quiz

In the Game of Thrones quiz, you learn some new vocabulary. (It’s quite safe, really. You will not die.)

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Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

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Citation

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