step-down

\ ˈstep-ˌdau̇n

How to pronounce step-down (audio)

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plural step-downs

Definition of step-down

(Entry 1 of 3)

: a decrease or reduction in size or amount a step-down in dosage

step-down

Definition of step-down (Entry 2 of 3)

: serving to decrease voltage a step-down transformer

step down

stepped down; stepping down; steps down

Definition of step down (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

: retire, resign

transitive verb

1 : to lower (a voltage) by means of a transformer

2 : to decrease or reduce especially by one or more steps

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about step-down

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Examples of step-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb This time around, government officials say, Iran has pressured Iraq’s weakened and embattled prime minister not to step down, and fueled his belief that the protests are a foreign conspiracy. — Washington Post, "An uprising in Iraq is the broadest in decades. It’s posing an alarming threat to Baghdad and Tehran.," 7 Nov. 2019 So far over 70 have stepped down, more than twice the number who chose not to face the electorate in 2017. — The Economist, "Politics this week," 7 Nov. 2019 Minority leader Chris Barnes decided to step down this year, after six years on the council. — Emily Brindley, courant.com, "West Hartford Democrats take majority on town council and school board once again," 5 Nov. 2019 Coors will step down as the company’s chief customer relations officer at the end of the year, ending his day-to-day duties. — Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, "Why did Molson Coors — a beer company that is one of Colorado’s most iconic brands — move its headquarters to Chicago?," 3 Nov. 2019 Metropolitan Council Chair Nora Slawik is stepping down from her position after just 10 months on the job, marking the second high-profile departure of a cabinet member in the early administration of Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. — Dave Orrick, Twin Cities, "Met Council Chair Nora Slawik resigns, citing health problems brought on by stress of job," 1 Nov. 2019 Incumbent Steven Goodin, who was appointed by the mayor after the race for the fourth council seat ended in a tie in the 2015 election, is stepping down, and Taylor is running for mayor. — David Anderson, baltimoresun.com, "Aberdeen Mayor Patrick McGrady faces challenge from Councilman Melvin Taylor in re-election bid," 30 Oct. 2019 Ellis will step down as head coach following the Americans’ final Victory Tour match against Korea Republic at Soldier Field in Chicago. — Alicia Delgallo, orlandosentinel.com, "Jill Ellis content as she closes USWNT career marked by unprecedented success, challenges," 3 Oct. 2019 Katherine Lorenz, who has served the foundation since 2011, will step down when the new CEO begins. — Katherine Feser, Houston Chronicle, "Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation launches search for new CEO," 2 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'step-down.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Time Traveler for step-down

The first known use of step-down was in 1890

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