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 almost a year of dating rumors, the stars made things red carpet official, stepping out together for the first time at the 2017 Fashion Awards in London. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

Olaf just stepped out of the screen and into real life. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Nov. 2025

Mariah the Scientist stepped out in a vintage Dior look by John Galliano from the Spring/Summer 2002 collection. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 24 Nov. 2025

On Friday, the activist stepped out in square-toe boots, which featured a block-style heel and ankle-hugging silhouette. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 23 Nov. 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