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

Nine years after publicly stepping out together for the first time during Halloween week, the happy couple — who married in July 2021 — dressed up again for 2024, Stefani, 55, going as Snow White, while Shelton, 48, opted for a turtle costume. —Lindsay Kimble, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Millie Bobby Brown arrested by Sabrina Carpenter at Atlanta concert for being too hot: 'Stranger things have happened' Carpenter clearly knows her aesthetic references, finally stepping out onto the stage in the guise of one of her most influential forebears: Olivia Newton-John in Grease. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024

In the original 2004 movie, Queen Bee Regina George (Rachel McAdams) steps out in a bang-on Playboy Bunny outfit. —Alexandra Willingham, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024

Try stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new projects or responsibilities, set new short- and long-term goals and acquire new skills through training programs or conferences. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

step out

verb

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