step-in
[ step-in ]
/ ˈstɛpˌɪn /
adjective
(of garments, shoes, etc.) put on by being stepped into.
noun
step-ins,
panties, especially bias-cut panties with wide legs worn by women in the 1920s and 1930s.
any step-in garment.
Origin of step-in
First recorded in 1920–25; adj., noun use of verb phrase
step in
Words nearby step-in
step turn,
step up,
step-,
step-and-repeat,
step-down,
step-in,
step-off,
step-on,
step-parent,
step-up,
stepanakert
Definition for step in (2 of 2)
Origin of step
before 900; (v.) Middle English
steppen, Old English
steppan; cognate with Old High German
stepfen; akin to
stamp; (noun) Middle English; Old English
stepe
OTHER WORDS FROM step
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH step
step steppeBritish Dictionary definitions for step in (1 of 4)
step in
verb
(intr, adverb) informal
to intervene or involve oneself, esp dramatically or at a senior level
adjective step-in
(prenominal)
(of garments, etc) put on by being stepped into; without fastenings
(of a ski binding) engaging automatically when the boot is positioned on the ski
noun step-in
(often plural)
a step-in garment, esp underwear
British Dictionary definitions for step in (2 of 4)
step
/ (stɛp) /
noun
verb steps, stepping or stepped
Derived forms of step
steplike, adjectiveWord Origin for step
Old English
stepe, stæpe; related to Old Frisian
stap, stepe, Old High German
stapfo (German
Stapfe footprint), Old Norse
stapi high rock
British Dictionary definitions for step in (3 of 4)
Step
/ (stɛp) /
noun
- a set of aerobic exercises designed to improve the cardiovascular system, which consists of stepping on and off a special box of adjustable height
- (as modifier)Step aerobics
British Dictionary definitions for step in (4 of 4)
STEP
/ (stɛp) /
n acronym for
Special Temporary Employment Programme
Idioms and Phrases with step in (1 of 2)
step in
Enter into an activity or situation; also, intervene. For example, The business was doing poorly until Stan stepped in, or They are going to make a mess of the mailing unless someone steps in and shows them what to do. [Late 1400s] Also see step into.
Idioms and Phrases with step in (2 of 2)
step