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

He was seen stepping out of his vehicle at his sister Annie's home. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026

Iscandari won the battle for the rebound but stepped out of bounds under the basket, giving the ball back to the Eagles. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026

Johnson stepped out in Los Angeles, wearing the ultimate cool-girl uniform. —Eva Thomas, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026

But Jacob Elordi is a bit of a streetwear head himself for his more casual appearances, having stepped out in a billowy Miu Miu track jacket and low-top Nike Dunks. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Feb. 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