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

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
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.
The Rhode founder stepped out in Brentwood, California, with her supermodel bestie Kendall Jenner and a few other friends for a shopping trip on August 20. Sam Reed, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2025 Prosecutors said a woman returning to her west suburban apartment early last week found her 16-year-old daughter unconscious with a plastic bag over her head when her ex-boyfriend stepped out of a closet, wrapped her in a bear hug and stabbed her. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025 In May, multi-hyphenate mogul Rihanna stepped out with one of the toys clipped to her Louis Vuitton bag, and rumblings about the little monster grew into a cacophony. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 20 Aug. 2025 Tracee Ellis Ross looks fashionable in baggy trousers, a white blouse and loafers while stepping out in Los Angeles on Aug. 15. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of step out was circa 1533

Cite this Entry

“Step out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20out. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

step out

verb
: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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