: 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
stepped in; stepping in; steps in
1
a
: to intervene in an affair or dispute
b
: to act as a replacement
2
: to make a brief informal 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
Keith Laing, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
The first generation of step-in bindings from other brands, like Shimano, K2, and Burton, had also phased out, and everyone was riding two-strap bindings.
—Lisa Jhung, Outside, 9 Feb. 2026
Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables in the first step in the recipe.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step-in
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
After careful consideration of features like low step-in height, wide passenger doors and flat load floors, the Toyota Sienna Woodland was the clear choice.
—Keith Laing, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
The first generation of step-in bindings from other brands, like Shimano, K2, and Burton, had also phased out, and everyone was riding two-strap bindings.
—Lisa Jhung, Outside, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
That had to be God stepping in, because this is going to change our city forever.
—Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables in the first step in the recipe.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step-in
Cite this Entry
“Step-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step-in. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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