First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1step
noun \ˈstep\
: a movement made by lifting your foot and putting it down in a different place
: the sound of a foot making a step
: the distance covered in one step; also : a short distance
Full Definition of STEP
1
: a rest for the foot in ascending or descending: as a : one of a series of structures consisting of a riser and a tread b : a ladder rung
2
3
a : the space passed over in one step b : a short distance c : the height of one stair
5
a : a degree, grade, or rank in a scale b : a stage in a process <was guided through every step of my career>
6
: a frame on a ship designed to receive an upright shaft; especially : a block supporting the heel of a mast
7
: an action, proceeding, or measure often occurring as one in a series <taking steps to improve the situation>
8
: a steplike offset or part usually occurring in a series
9
: an interval in a musical scale
10
11
: a slight lead in or as if in a race <has a step on the competition>
— step·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
— stepped \ˈstept\ adjective
— in step
1
: with each foot moving to the same time as the corresponding foot of others or in time to music
2
: in harmony or agreement
— out of step
: not in step <out of step with the times>
See step defined for English-language learners
See step defined for kids
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Origin of STEP
Middle English, from Old English stæpe; akin to Old High German stapfo step, stampfōn to stamp
Other Architecture Terms
2step
verb
: to move in a specified direction by lifting your foot and putting it down in a different place : to move somewhere by walking
: to put your foot down
steppedstep·ping
Full Definition of STEP
intransitive verb
1
a : to move by raising the foot and bringing it down elsewhere or by moving each foot in succession b : dance
2
3
: to press down with the foot <step on the brake>
4
: to come as if at a single step <stepped into a good job>
transitive verb
1
: to take by moving the feet in succession <step three paces>
2
a : to move (the foot) in any direction : set <the first man to step foot on the moon> b : to traverse on foot
4
: to make erect by fixing the lower end in a step <step the mast>
5
: to measure by steps <step off 50 yards>
6
a : to provide with steps b : to make steps in <step a key>
7
: to construct or arrange in or as if in steps <craggy peaks with terraces stepped up the sides — Time>
— step on it
: to increase one's speed : hurry up
See step defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STEP
before 12th century
OUT OF STEP Defined for Kids
1step
noun \ˈstep\
Definition of STEP for Kids
1
: a movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down in another spot
2
: a rest or place for the foot in going up or down : stair
3
: a combination of foot and body movements in a repeated pattern <a dance step>
4
: manner of walking <a lively step>
5
6
: the sound of a footstep <I heard steps in the hall.>
7
: the space passed over in one step <The garden was a few steps away.>
8
: a short distance <The house is only a step away.>
9
: the height of one stair
10
steps plural : 1course 2 <We directed our steps toward home.>
11
: one of a series of actions taken to achieve something <They took steps to correct the situation.>
12
: a stage in a process <What's the first step in assembling the toy?>
13
: a level, grade, or rank in a scale or series <His work was a step above average.>
14
: the distance from one tone of a musical scale or one note on a musical staff to another that is one tone away (half step) or two tones away (whole step)
2step
verb
steppedstep·ping
Definition of STEP for Kids
1
: to move in a particular way or direction by lifting one foot and putting it down in another spot <They stepped aside to let me pass.>
2
: 1dance 1 <The couple stepped gracefully together.>
3
: to go on foot : walk <He stepped slowly along the path.>
4
: to move quickly <They were really stepping along.>
5
: to put or press the foot on or in <I stepped on glass.> <Don't step in the puddle.>
6
: to come or move as if at a step by the foot <I stepped into a good job.>
7
: to measure by steps <Step off ten yards.>
— step up
: to increase the amount, speed, or intensity of <The factory stepped up production.>
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