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

Footage from the Ring video camera at his home captured the moment — Nuñez Gonzalez tossing his trash bag into the bin, a man in a law enforcement vest stepping out of a car across the street and then running up behind him to handcuff him. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025

All the can't-miss looks on your favorite stars at this week's most major events all over the country Comments All across the country, the stars are stepping out in style for major celebrations. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Designers stepped out of Covid with loud and shiny fashion. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025

William Saliba has stepped out alongside Gabriel 115 times for Arsenal in the last three seasons, six times more than any other team-mate. —Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for step out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

step out

verb

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