stepping stone

noun

variants or less commonly stepping-stone

ˈste-piŋ-ˌstōn 

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

As 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

2

: 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

Each 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

Examples of stepping stone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His better-than-expected showing in the 1976 Iowa Democratic caucuses helped propel him to the White House and demonstrated how Iowa could be a stepping stone for gaining national political prominence, The Atlantic reported in 2016. —Jason Clayworth, Axios, 29 Dec. 2024

The Madrean Sky Islands, a smattering of tall borderlands ranges that rise where the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts meet, are critical stepping stones for migrating birds and some of America’s rarest mammals, who rely on the forests, springs and prey to survive their journeys. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, 61% of medical students are contemplating careers outside clinical practice, viewing medical school as a stepping stone to other fields in healthcare. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Each success story serves as a stepping stone, encouraging further endeavors and reinforcing your dedication to personal growth. —Mo Hamzian, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024

These experiences, which might not fit the mainstream outdoor narrative, are valid entry points to outdoor engagement and often serve as stepping stones to activities like hiking and mountaineering. —Essence, 25 Nov. 2024

And on finding your way into other genres: would a period-horror piece be a good stepping stone? —Remy Blumenfeld, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Nov. 2024

The ability to reframe setbacks as stepping stones is a hallmark of the most inspiring leaders. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Scout team reps for practice-squad players and reserves serve as a stepping stone, proving ground or even stage acting for Chargers players at all phases of their careers. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stepping-stone

noun

step·​ping-stone

ˈstep-iŋ-ˌstōn

1

: a stone on which to step (as in crossing a stream)

2

: something aiding in progress or advancement

a stepping-stone to success