step-in

1 of 2

noun

: 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

step in

2 of 2

verb

stepped in; stepping in; steps in

intransitive verb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And players make step-in 3s at a notably higher rate than off the dribble or running off a screen. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024 With an overall geometry that leans into the carefree cycling of a beach cruiser and an easy-access step-in frame, the Electra Townie Go! Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2024
Verb
But the Olympics in Italy a year later could be a reasonable goal, with some good fortune and another step in his development along the way. Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024 Instead, states have stepped in to push wages up, with 34 states, territories and districts now having minimum wages, nearly all of those above $10. Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for step-in 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1921, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of step-in was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near step-in

Cite this Entry

“Step-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step-in. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

step-in

noun
-ˌin
: an article of clothing (as a dress or shoes) that can be put on by being stepped into
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