: 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
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
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Mingyang took the center of the Octagon from the beginning, landed hard leg kicks, and opened a nasty gash on Smith’s forehead with a step-in elbow.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Somehow, my phone always feels too small, and my laptop’s just too much, which is exactly where a good tablet steps in.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for step-in
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Offensively, Edwards finally started to hit the step-in 3-pointers that have become a trademark of this season, and Oklahoma City has left available with its drop pick-and-roll coverage.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
Mingyang took the center of the Octagon from the beginning, landed hard leg kicks, and opened a nasty gash on Smith’s forehead with a step-in elbow.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
This is a great next step in Microsoft’s ongoing efforts in preserving retro games.
—David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Somehow, my phone always feels too small, and my laptop’s just too much, which is exactly where a good tablet steps in.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for step-in
Cite this Entry
“Step-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step-in. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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