step-by-step

adjective or adverb

: marked by successive degrees usually of limited extent : gradual

Examples of step-by-step in a Sentence

the incessant step-by-step advance of the enemy's troops could no longer be resisted
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Learn how to clean an induction cooktop with our step-by-step guide. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025 Scroll on for their step-by-step makeup tutorials and get ready to be inspired. Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025 See a step-by-step guide on how to make an arrangement here. Malaka Gharib, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025 The University's Florida Museum of Natural History maintains a website that can help a viewer identify snakes in a step-by-step process. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step-by-step

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of step-by-step was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step-by-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step-by-step. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

step-by-step

adjective
ˌstep-bī-ˈstep
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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