step-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈstep-ˌin 

: 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

Synonyms

Verb

• call
• come by
• come over
• drop by
• drop in
• pop (in)
• run (over)
• run in
• stop (by or in)
• 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

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

Encourage Striding and Gliding The first strides forward will be a major step in this process. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024

Governments, too, are stepping in to drive greater transparency across the travel industry. —Siobhan Reid, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1921, in the meaning defined above

Verb

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

Kids Definition

step-in

noun

-ˌin

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