: 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
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Among Intuit founder Scott Cook's three kids is equestrian show jumper Karl, who competed in the Summer Olympics 2024 as a step-in for Kent Farrington and took home a silver medal alongside teammates McLain Ward and Laura Kraut.
—Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026
But those factors are irrelevant to the question of whether Silverman receives a wetlands permit, the first major step in winning a go-ahead to build.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for step-in
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Noun
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
Among Intuit founder Scott Cook's three kids is equestrian show jumper Karl, who competed in the Summer Olympics 2024 as a step-in for Kent Farrington and took home a silver medal alongside teammates McLain Ward and Laura Kraut.
—Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Verb
The Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria has reclaimed 450 acres of ancestral land in Butte County, marking one of the tribe’s largest land returns and a major step in restoring its historic land base.
—Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026
But those factors are irrelevant to the question of whether Silverman receives a wetlands permit, the first major step in winning a go-ahead to build.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 11 June 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 14 Jun. 2026.
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