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

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
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.
The new season picks up with Kanan fully stepping out from under the wing of his mother, the ruthless and calculating drug queenpin, Raquel Thomas (Patina Miller). Okla Jones, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025 In November, Joan and Ed also stepped out together for the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked, in which Grande is credited as Ariana Grande-Butera. Rachel Desantis, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025 Accompanied by her husband Justin Bieber, the Rhode founder stepped out in a pinstripe skirt suit similar to a design from Thierry Mugler’s fall 1998 ready-to-wear collection. Hannah Malach, WWD, 9 Feb. 2025 Kendall Jenner, for one—who just walked the Calvin Klein runway show—stepped out in a plushy Phoebe Philo jacket (that retails for a cool $11,000), pairing it with black tights and studious spectacles. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for step out 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of step out was circa 1533

Cite this Entry

“Step out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20out. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

step out

verb
: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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