stepping stone
noun
variants
or less commonly stepping-stone
plural stepping stones also stepping-stones
1
: a stone on which to step (as in crossing a stream or following a path)
We filled our water bottles in a large, clear lake set in smooth granite, crossed a stream using stepping stones, and started up a winding path that rose to a series of switchbacks.—
Joshua Rothman
Joshua RothmanAs in a Japanese garden, where stepping-stones force you to savor your stroll, you must watch every step and wind your way around the Japanese pines and beach grasses.—Stephen Drucker
Stephen Drucker2
: a means of progress or advancement
a stepping stone to success
But now many more see a political job as a stepping stone to money, power and influence.—Barbara Gamarekian
Barbara GamarekianEach person I talked to was to be a stepping-stone to the overall plan. It was my job to educate them so they would take their natural places in the plan.—Jane Smiley
Jane SmileyExamples of stepping stone in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While most people see obstacles as roadblocks, top performers view them as stepping stones to success.
—Carrie Anne Yu, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
This ornamental thyme can be used to fill in the sandy spaces between stepping stones or crevices in rock walls.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Mar. 2025
Authorities also seized dogs at two separate properties owned by Johnson.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau views animal cruelty cases as a stepping stone to organized crime, including trafficking and murder.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Those next-gen leaders who view these challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles will be successful and stand out as beacons or role models for others.
—Arthi Rabikrisson, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Foam kneeling pads make good temporary stepping stones.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
Here, a bench is the perfect addition to a small backyard, complete with concrete stepping stones nestled into a gravel pathway.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
His LinkedIn profile now reflects that his caddying experience extends beyond country clubs and resorts to include the PGA Tour, framing his journey as a stepping stone toward the ultimate goal of reading a putt to win a major.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
More news: Josh Emmett vs Lerone Murphy Set For UFC Vegas 105 Main Event
Now Silva wants to be the next man to share the Octagon with him and sees a victory over the talented grappler as a stepping stone to bigger things at 145 pounds.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Carrie Anne Yu, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
This ornamental thyme can be used to fill in the sandy spaces between stepping stones or crevices in rock walls.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Mar. 2025
Authorities also seized dogs at two separate properties owned by Johnson.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau views animal cruelty cases as a stepping stone to organized crime, including trafficking and murder.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Those next-gen leaders who view these challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles will be successful and stand out as beacons or role models for others.
—Arthi Rabikrisson, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Foam kneeling pads make good temporary stepping stones.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
Here, a bench is the perfect addition to a small backyard, complete with concrete stepping stones nestled into a gravel pathway.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
His LinkedIn profile now reflects that his caddying experience extends beyond country clubs and resorts to include the PGA Tour, framing his journey as a stepping stone toward the ultimate goal of reading a putt to win a major.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
More news: Josh Emmett vs Lerone Murphy Set For UFC Vegas 105 Main Event
Now Silva wants to be the next man to share the Octagon with him and sees a victory over the talented grappler as a stepping stone to bigger things at 145 pounds.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stepping stone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepping%20stone. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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