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

So much of Alex’s adult life has been spent trying to step out of her father’s shadow. —Max Gao, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025

In the 4 Nations Face-Off, Brady Tkachuk stepped out of his brother’s shadow. —Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

Star Power Hailey Bieber steps out for dinner with husband Justin Bieber and friends on Feb. 19 in Beverly Hills. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025

From your primary suite, step out onto the balcony overlooking the Charles, there are five additional bedrooms throughout the home. —Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 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