step-in

1 of 2

noun

: an article of clothing put on by being stepped into: such as
a
: a shoe resembling but usually having a higher vamp than a pump and having concealed elastic to adjust the fit
b
: short panties for women
usually used in plural
step-in adjective

step in

2 of 2

verb

stepped in; stepping in; steps in

intransitive verb

1
a
: to intervene in an affair or dispute
b
: to act as a replacement
2
: to make a brief informal visit

Examples of step-in in a Sentence

Verb I just stepped in to say hi on my way to class. couldn't find anyone to step in for me so that I could take a break from my caregiving duties
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
With an overall geometry that leans into the carefree cycling of a beach cruiser and an easy-access step-in frame, the Electra Townie Go! Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2024 The new soft and stretchy tongue delivers an easier step-in and more adaptive fit, making sliding these babies on and off a breeze. Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2024 Cowboy's step-in app could be seen as a clever bit of guerrilla marketing, a sincere gesture of concern over soft-bricked e-bikes, or perhaps even a bit of empathy. Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 17 July 2023 The entry floor holds the main bath plus two bedrooms; both have mini-split heat pumps, and the primary offers a walk-in closet and private bath with step-in double shower. Jon Gorey, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2023 The primary bedroom features a walk-in closet, a spacious bath with double vanities and step-in shower, and sliders to a private balcony. Jon Gorey, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2023 Three more bedrooms share a stylish new double-entry bath with step-in shower. Jon Gorey, BostonGlobe.com, 21 July 2023 The frame uses a three-point mounting system to increase power transfer, control, and stability with this step-in design. Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2023 An OrthoLite sockliner improves step-in comfort as well. Gaby Keiderling, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 June 2023
Verb
Mantz and his wife have occasionally stepped in for baby-sitting duties and Young once helped paint his friend’s house. Ben Church, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 This time there will be big life changes for Mayan and the whole Lopez familia while George takes his first step in sobriety. Jaden Thompson, Variety, 12 Mar. 2024 That doesn't mean Hezbollah doesn't step in and take over now as a result. CBS News, 10 Mar. 2024 After the incident delayed him, one of his associates had to step in. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 Jimmy Kimmel is back as host, stepping in last year to guide the ship after a rocky 2022 show where presenter Chris Rock received a slap on the face from best actor winner Will Smith, after Rock made a joke at the expense of Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024 The arrests in Preston Lord's murder are just the first steps in achieving justice for the late teen, his stepmother said to a crowd of a couple hundred attendees not far from the scene of his attack in Queen Creek on Thursday night. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 This expansion marks a significant step in CASUSGRILL™'s mission to provide North Americans with a sustainable and convenient grilling option. Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2024 For Luis Severino, seeing some his final pitch reach 98 miles per hour is significant even in the setting of a Friday afternoon game and his spring training debut as a bearded member of the Mets represents a good opening step in the hope of recapturing some of his past successes with the Yankees. Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'step-in.' 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

Noun

1921, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of step-in was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near step-in

Cite this Entry

“Step-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step-in. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

step-in

noun
-ˌin
: an article of clothing (as a dress or shoes) that can be put on by being stepped into
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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