: 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
stepped in; stepping in; steps in
1
a
: to intervene in an affair or dispute
b
: to act as a replacement
2
: to make a brief informal visit
Synonyms
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
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
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 
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
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 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share