high-stepping

American  

[hahy-step-ing] / ˈhaɪˈstɛp ɪŋ /

adjective

1. seeking unrestrained pleasure, as by frequenting night clubs, parties, etc.; leading a wild and fast life.

   a high-stepping young crowd.

2. (of a horse) moving with the leg raised high.

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Other Word Forms

• high-stepper noun

Etymology

Origin of high-stepping

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

With its petal-packed floats, marching bands and high-stepping horses, the parade travels 5½ miles along the streets of Pasadena.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2024

DaBaby figured heavily into the weekend as he gave a motivational speech the night before the game and led the team onto the field by high-stepping along the sideline.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 30, 2023

Biden watched from an elevated review stand as high-stepping members of the military marched past.

From Washington Times • Sep. 10, 2023

But he also ended this glimpse at their run of bad luck with high-stepping mirth and one of the most joyous scenes in modern movies.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2023

Then he would reopen his umbrella and walk away in chocolate robes and comfortable sandals, like a high-stepping camel with an appointment to keep.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy