step-by-step

adjective or adverb

: marked by successive degrees usually of limited extent : gradual

Examples of step-by-step in a Sentence

the incessant step-by-step advance of the enemy's troops could no longer be resisted
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Find step-by-step guidance for launching your first business, from testing your idea to growing your revenue. Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025 More details, including step-by-step instructions, are available on Hoovy's recall page. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 29 Sep. 2025 Powered by TalkShopLive’s interactive platform, the event merged insightful, behind-the-scenes celebrity storytelling with step-by-step tutorials that could be replicated in an instant — simply by adding to cart the products mentioned by Nandy, with relevant anecdotes doled out by Berkley. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025 Despite the inherent drama and sadness of the entire situation, Punch too often feels like a PSA for the restorative justice procedure, with lots of exposition and step-by-step procedural instructions that, frankly, don’t really need so much explanation. Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step-by-step

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of step-by-step was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step-by-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step-by-step. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

step-by-step

adjective
ˌstep-bī-ˈstep
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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