step-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈstep-ˌin 

: an article of clothing put on by being stepped into: such as

a

: a shoe resembling but usually having a higher vamp than a pump and having concealed elastic to adjust the fit

b

: short panties for women

—usually used in plural

step-in adjective

step in

2 of 2

verb

stepped in; stepping in; steps in

intransitive verb

1

a

: to intervene in an affair or dispute

b

: to act as a replacement

2

: to make a brief informal visit

Synonyms of step-in

Verb

• visit
• run (over)
• stop (by or in)
• run in
• drop by
• drop in
• call

Examples of step-in in a Sentence

Verb

I just stepped in to say hi on my way to class.

couldn't find anyone to step in for me so that I could take a break from my caregiving duties

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Another upgrade is sliding doors and a lower step-in height. — Rakesh Agrawal, PC Magazine, 28 June 2026

Waymo describes it as a more expansive cabin with extra legroom, a flat floor and a low step-in height. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026

Verb

The win also moved the Red Sox to 31-31 at home, an obviously mediocre mark, but another impressive step in this turnaround season. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

This week's hearings mark the first major step in Anthony's post-conviction appeals process following his sentencing. — Cbs Texas Staff, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1921, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for step-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

Kids Definition

step-in

noun

-ˌin

: an article of clothing (as a dress or shoes) that can be put on by being stepped into