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

While Brooke Gossett received a visit in the circle, Pfleeger stepped out of the box. —Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026

Jodie Foster steps out after enjoying a leisurely brunch with her wife at Café Cluny in New York City on May 27. —People Staff, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026

Kate and her younger sister Pippa Middleton stepped out for a book launch event in May, roughly one month after the breakup. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 29 May 2026

Joan Cusack stepped out for the premiere of Toy Story 5 in the UK. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 29 May 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