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

Meanwhile, Jayden stepped out in a pair of jeans with a leather belt and a white tank top. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026

Yeah, right after a guy crashes through the roof is the perfect time to step out for a cigarette. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Middleton became the girl with the pearl earrings in 2017, stepping out in the Collingwood pair at a state banquet. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 26 June 2026

Reformation has stepped out into the spotlight. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 25 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