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

All the can't-miss looks on your favorite stars at this week's most major events all over the world Comments From Los Angeles to London, the stars are stepping out in style for major celebrations. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The icon stepped out with vibrant orange hair and a bold red lip, matching the mood of the night with effortless cool. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025

The actress stepped out of the spotlight in later years with only occasional roles. —Will Harris, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Anderson stepped out of the box as the ovation grew louder. —Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 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