step out

verb

stepped out; stepping out; steps out

intransitive verb

1

: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time

2

: to go or march at a vigorous or increased pace

3

: die

4

: to lead an active social life

5

: to be unfaithful

—usually used with on

had been stepping out on his wife

Synonyms of step out

• cheat
• screw around
• play (around)

Examples of step out in a Sentence

if she catches him stepping out on her, she'll divorce him without a moment's hesitation

my greedy relatives are only being nice to me because they expect me to step out any time now

Recent Examples on the Web

Ride share lots are far from the stadium grounds, so fans are urged to step out of their comfort zone and use public transportation. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026

On June 12, the couple stepped out for a rare date night to attend David Beckham's Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony. —Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 13 June 2026

Kate Middleton made a meaningful appearance at the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday, stepping out with her children in coordinated looks. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026

The British royal family stepped out in full force on Saturday, June 13, for the official celebration of King Charles' birthday. —Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for step out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

step out

verb

: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time