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

The developers will next prepare construction drawings and take other steps in anticipation of breaking ground in about two years. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Mbappé put France ahead with a brilliant crossover step in the 45th minute and then added a second-half goal to break a World Cup knockout round scoring record, and Les Bleus beat Sweden 3-0 to set up a round of 16 match against Paraguay. — CBS News, 1 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