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

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 steppe

British 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, adjective

Word 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

  1. a set of aerobic exercises designed to improve the cardiovascular system, which consists of stepping on and off a special box of adjustable height
  2. (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