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 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 For VanDyke, state solicitor general was a stepping stone on the judiciary path, especially with Leo’s hand at his back. Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 11 Oct. 2023 The catch for women is that men dominate positions seen as internal stepping stones to the corner office, including CFO and COO jobs and senior roles that involve managing profits and losses and growing the company’s business. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2024 Athletes who perform well in the weight throw use that as a stepping stone for success in the hammer throw. Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 The Santa Barbara Film Festival, which this year runs from Feb. 7 to 17, is a major stepping stone for award contenders in the lead-up to the Academy Awards. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 12 Feb. 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 18 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
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