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
• philander
• screw around

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

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

step out

verb

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