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

• 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

Heathrow Simmons Perry has only stepped out of those core family roles once to portray Madea’s paraplegic brother, Heathrow Simmons, in A Madea Family Funeral in 2019. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 15 July 2025

Volunteer for projects, participate meaningfully in discussions and share new ideas, and step out of your comfort zone. —Kathy Caprino, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

But listen to this, Nani: yesterday morning Ali stepped out in the slow simmer of the early dawn with a cardboard box to his chest. —Literary Hub, 10 July 2025

And when the young royals do step out with their parents, the youngest’s personality is usually on display. —Sara Vallone Mod Moms Club july 10, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025

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