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

Last March, celebs stepped out in colorful sneakers to kick-start spring fashion. —Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025

Victoria Beckham stepped out onto the streets of Paris ahead of her eponymous label’s show during Paris Fashion Week. —Julia Teti, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025

Back in January, Timothée Chalamet stepped out in New York City wearing a serious throwback piece: An Alexander McQueen skull scarf. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025

Remember that sometimes thinking innovatively and stepping out of your comfort zone are necessary for real change. —Essence Lifestyle, Essence, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for step out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

step out

verb

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