stepwise

adjective

step·​wise ˈstep-ˌwīz How to pronounce stepwise (audio)
1
: marked by or proceeding in steps : gradual
a stepwise approach
2
: moving by step to adjacent musical tones
stepwise adverb
moving stepwise

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stepwise was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near stepwise

Cite this Entry

“Stepwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepwise. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on stepwise

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!