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

The five-time Grammy-winning singer stepped out in a beige double-breasted trench coat over a black top, paired with black boots and oversized sunglasses. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

In a dash camera video shared by police, an officer can be seen stepping out quickly from a patrol vehicle as Ross was seen running in the street. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

The younger Martin child has recently stepped out more in the spotlight. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026

On August 27, the mom of two stepped out in a black-and-white ensemble complete with a plunging blazer. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 Aug. 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