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

After all, the pair spent a part of this year's awards season run stepping out in style — from their steamy appearance at the Oscars to their coordinating moment at the BAFTAs. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025

From film premieres to holiday parties, here’s how Black celebrities stepped out and showed love all week long. —Okla Jones, Essence, 15 Dec. 2025

From a balcony, Charlene watches Chris step out of his car with a new haircut and the biggest grin in the world. —Jesse Raub, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025

Before the song concluded, Johnson stepped out from behind the curtain, walked behind Allen and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 14 Dec. 2025

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