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

Example Sentences

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 O’Donnell searched the vehicle and asked a passenger who was sitting in the rear seat behind the driver to step out. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2023 The space age style is shining the brightest as fashion week attendees step out in outfits designed for a dystopian dance party. Amanda Randone, refinery29.com, 22 Feb. 2023 When the cold front rolls around, having a toasty-warm wool coat to step out in is essential to brave those frigid temps. Ty Gaskins, Men's Health, 10 Jan. 2023 The three-time Grammy winner went on to say that the night was particularly special because her country star beau doesn’t typically step out at red-carpet events, but that night with her was an exception. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2022 Before Courts could step out of the vehicle, he was shot from an apartment window. Miriam Marini, Detroit Free Press, 8 July 2022 As manager and publicity consultant, Jones and Bragman have stepped into shoes that others have been quick to step out of in recent years. Chris Willman, Variety, 3 June 2022 Later in her songwriting career, Carole had to be coaxed to step out front and perform her songs herself. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2021 By doing so, the team coach also becomes present in the moment to allow the team to listen, apply empathy and take pauses in the conversational space to step out and view the situation from a new lens. Jedidiah Alex Koh, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'step out.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of step out was circa 1533

Cite this Entry

“Step out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20out. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

step out

verb
: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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