Step Definition & Meaning
step
- noun
- any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal; "the situation called for strong measures"; "the police took steps to reduce crime"
- the distance covered by a step; "he stepped off ten paces from the old tree and began to dig"
- the act of changing location by raising the foot and setting it down; "he walked with unsteady steps"
- support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway; "he paused on the bottom step"
- relative position in a graded series; "always a step behind"; "subtle gradations in color"; "keep in step with the fashions"
- a short distance; "it's only a step to the drugstore"
- the sound of a step of someone walking; "he heard footsteps on the porch"
- a musical interval of two semitones
- a mark of a foot or shoe on a surface; "the police made casts of the footprints in the soft earth outside the window"
- a solid block joined to the beams in which the heel of a ship's mast or capstan is fixed
- a sequence of foot movements that make up a particular dance; "he taught them the waltz step"
- verb
- shift or move by taking a step; "step back"
- put down or press the foot, place the foot; "For fools rush in where angels fear to tread"; "step on the brake"
- cause (a computer) to execute a single command
- treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
- furnish with steps; "The architect wants to step the terrace"
- move with one's feet in a specific manner; "step lively"
- walk a short distance to a specified place or in a specified manner; "step over to the blackboard"
- place (a ship's mast) in its step
- measure (distances) by pacing; "step off ten yards"
- move or proceed as if by steps into a new situation; "She stepped into a life of luxury"; "he won't step into his father's footsteps"
"Step" in song lyrics
See how step is used in real songs:
-
"Hearin and fearin, the momentum of the stutter step"
3rd Bass — Soul in the Hole -
"Watch ya step"
40 Glocc f/ Sam Scarfo — Where Them Hammers At -
"It's tightwork when you left right left step"
95 South f/ 10 K.A.N.'s — Tightwork (Dat's Dat Sshhh)
Words that rhyme with step
Usage tips for "step"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "step" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for step to find words that pair well.