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 of step-in

Verb

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

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

Another upgrade is sliding doors and a lower step-in height. — Rakesh Agrawal, PC Magazine, 28 June 2026

Waymo describes it as a more expansive cabin with extra legroom, a flat floor and a low step-in height. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026

Verb

In 2019, when the Fed was shrinking its balance sheet, the cushion of reserves available in the banking system dropped, leading to a spike in overnight lending rates that forced the central bank to step in and add liquidity back into markets. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Linked Learning steps in by partnering with schools and guiding students on how to earn college credit through dual community college enrollment, internships and industry certifications. — Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1921, in the meaning defined above

Verb

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

Rhymes for step-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

Kids Definition

step-in

noun

-ˌin

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