Step Definition

step
noun
  1. any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal; "the situation called for strong measures"; "the police took steps to reduce crime"
  2. the distance covered by a step; "he stepped off ten paces from the old tree and began to dig"
  3. the act of changing location by raising the foot and setting it down; "he walked with unsteady steps"
  4. support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway; "he paused on the bottom step"
  5. relative position in a graded series; "always a step behind"; "subtle gradations in color"; "keep in step with the fashions"
  6. a short distance; "it's only a step to the drugstore"
  7. the sound of a step of someone walking; "he heard footsteps on the porch"
  8. a musical interval of two semitones
  9. a mark of a foot or shoe on a surface; "the police made casts of the footprints in the soft earth outside the window"
  10. a solid block joined to the beams in which the heel of a ship's mast or capstan is fixed
  11. a sequence of foot movements that make up a particular dance; "he taught them the waltz step"
verb
  1. shift or move by taking a step; "step back"
  2. put down or press the foot, place the foot; "For fools rush in where angels fear to tread"; "step on the brake"
  3. cause (a computer) to execute a single command
  4. treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
  5. furnish with steps; "The architect wants to step the terrace"
  6. move with one's feet in a specific manner; "step lively"
  7. walk a short distance to a specified place or in a specified manner; "step over to the blackboard"
  8. place (a ship's mast) in its step
  9. measure (distances) by pacing; "step off ten yards"
  10. 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)

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.

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