stepping stone

noun

variants or less commonly stepping-stone
plural stepping stones also stepping-stones
1
: a stone on which to step (as in crossing a stream or following a path)
We filled our water bottles in a large, clear lake set in smooth granite, crossed a stream using stepping stones, and started up a winding path that rose to a series of switchbacks.Joshua Rothman
As in a Japanese garden, where stepping-stones force you to savor your stroll, you must watch every step and wind your way around the Japanese pines and beach grasses.Stephen Drucker
2
: a means of progress or advancement
a stepping stone to success
But now many more see a political job as a stepping stone to money, power and influence.Barbara Gamarekian
Each person I talked to was to be a stepping-stone to the overall plan. It was my job to educate them so they would take their natural places in the plan.Jane Smiley

Examples of stepping stone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Jimmy’s was a place where Black New Yorkers came together behind the scenes, setting down the stepping stones that would lead them into their future. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2024 Promote a mindset shift by celebrating learning experiences, acknowledging failures as stepping stones to success and emphasizing the value of embracing new ideas. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Nevertheless, a competitive private high school in D.C. — a stepping stone to elite universities — seemed elusive particularly due to severe challenges with standardized testing. Olamide Dozier-Williams, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2024 From the beginning, her involvement in the world of theater was a stepping stone to her future plans. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2023 This means selecting a role that not only aligns with your immediate interests but also serves as a stepping stone towards your long-term career aspirations. Soulaima Gourani, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Foster a culture that encourages experimentation, risk-taking and embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2024 Our unpaid labor has been a stepping stone to its financial success. Cynthia Greenlee, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 According to the Mayo Clinic, regular activity can help stave off: Heart disease Obesity Diabetes High blood pressure Depression Walking is also a stepping stone to more vigorous exercise. Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stepping stone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stepping stone was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near stepping stone

Cite this Entry

“Stepping stone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepping%20stone. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stepping-stone

noun
step·​ping-stone
ˈstep-iŋ-ˌstōn
1
: a stone on which to step (as in crossing a stream)
2
: something aiding in progress or advancement
a stepping-stone to success
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!