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

• cheat
• philander
• screw 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

As Clay wrapped up his talk across the street, five Talcott clerks threw flashing black capes over skinny shoulders and stepped out into the February darkness. —Jon Grinspan, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2024

The pair, who married in 2013, were also spotted shopping together in L.A. in February and stepping out for a date night in matching black looks in December to celebrate Legend’s 45th birthday. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 28 Mar. 2024

An experienced cook would probably take a few liberties and do a few steps out of order. —PCMAG, 27 Mar. 2024

In the workplace, fear manifests as resistance to change, fear of failure or apprehension about stepping out of comfort zones. —David Deane-Spread, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Their mission was kept secret for decades, but on Thursday the group stepped out of the shadows as they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in Washington. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 26 Mar. 2024

While viewers were waiting to see who would step out of the car first, a classic sign for who gets broken up with at the last moment, the show delivered a shock showing the women riding in the car together. —Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024

The couple declined to officially share the news, but did step out for a family stroll at the end of March alongside Waterhouse's mother, with Pattinson pushing a light pink baby stroller. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 26 Mar. 2024

Case in point: While promoting her latest venture, a line of vodka seltzers called Sprinter, the 26-year-old stepped out in a skintight Ferragamo micro-minidress with a wide belt resting on her hips. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

step out

verb

: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time