in step

1 of 2

phrase

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

instep

2 of 2

noun

in·​step ˈin-ˌstep 

1

: the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint

especially : its upper surface

2

: the part of a shoe or stocking that fits over the instep

Illustration of instep

• instep 1

Examples of in step in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Denise’s were the shiny rich brown of horse chestnuts, with a leather braid over the instep. — Rachel Kushner, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025

It’s also designed with an adjustable instep for cushioning and support. — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 20 June 2026

The instep section of the upper features a tiny v-notch (a small cutout) that makes the shoes a little bit more flexible and easier to walk in, too. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

In an animal print and with generous straps across the instep, the result feels much more like grown-up sophistication than any naivete. — Alex Sales, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for in step

• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep
• rep
• sep

Kids Definition

instep

noun

in·​step ˈin-ˌstep 

1

: the arched middle part of the human foot

2

: the part of a shoe or stocking that fits over the instep

Medical Definition

instep

noun

in·​step ˈin-ˌstep 

: the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint

especially : its upper surface