: 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
stepped in; stepping in; steps in
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
Cory Smith, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024
The eventual result was NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle’s appointment of George Young as the Giants’ first true general manager, a step-in that helped turn around the lost franchise.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024
Lynette Bell, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has stepped in to provide a home for Tateona Williams, who lost two of her children to hypothermia while facing homelessness.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step-in
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Noun
Ribbed insoles provide a tantalizing sole massage with a cushioned, comfortable step-in feel.
—Cory Smith, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024
The eventual result was NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle’s appointment of George Young as the Giants’ first true general manager, a step-in that helped turn around the lost franchise.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
While the government focused on rebuilding infrastructure, foundations and nonprofits stepped in to provide grants and technical assistance to local businesses.
—Lynette Bell, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has stepped in to provide a home for Tateona Williams, who lost two of her children to hypothermia while facing homelessness.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step-in
Cite this Entry
“Step-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step-in. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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