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

In Conversation Cody Johnson speaks on the CMA Close Up Stage during CMA Fest 2024 on June 7 in Nashville. 115 of 120 Out for a Ride Ben Affleck is seen stepping out of a car in a casual plaid shirt and jeans on June 7 in Los Angeles. —Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024

Don't miss the buffet breakfast before stepping out to explore. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2024

The crowd also brought the noise when actor Rob McElhenney stepped out to throw the first pitch of game two. —Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 11 June 2024

Officers responded shortly after 12:30 a.m. to the crash at the intersection of East Lancaster and Riverside Drive and found that the man had stepped out into traffic, police said in a news release. —Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

step out

verb

: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time