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

Yesterday evening, Dua Lipa and Callum Turner stepped out in New York City for an intimate dinner at I Sodi. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

This will eliminate or reduce the need to rummage through the bag under the seat in front of you, or step out into the aisle to reach for your luggage in the overhead bins. — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Kate put her rich brunette hair color front and center while stepping out to welcome the Sultan of Oman and the Oman royal family with Prince William. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 22 Oct. 2026

But the receivers also bear some responsibility; Bell has two drops (per PFF) and stepped out of bounds before catching a long TD pass that was overturned against the Vikings. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 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