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• step-in
  step-in

  adjective

  (of garments, shoes, etc.) put on by being stepped into.
• step in
  step in

  verb

  (intr, adverb) to intervene or involve oneself, esp dramatically or at a senior level

step-in

American  

[step-in] / ˈstɛpˌɪn /

adjective

1. (of garments, shoes, etc.) put on by being stepped into.

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noun

1. step-ins, panties, especially bias-cut panties with wide legs worn by women in the 1920s and 1930s.

2. any step-in garment.

step in British  

verb

1. informal (intr, adverb) to intervene or involve oneself, esp dramatically or at a senior level

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adjective

1. (prenominal) (of garments, etc) put on by being stepped into; without fastenings

2. (of a ski binding) engaging automatically when the boot is positioned on the ski

noun

1. (often plural) a step-in garment, esp underwear

step in Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of step-in

First recorded in 1920–25; adj., noun use of verb phrase step in

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

step-in step in

Shyft said it plans to start pilot production this summer of its first Blue Arc vehicle, a step-in van, in Charlotte, Michigan, not far from its Novi headquarters.

From Reuters ● May 30, 2023

This library of the pilot's unique characteristics means the on-board AI will be able to step-in and assist if the sensors indicate they may need help.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2022

It has a flat floor, low step-in height, and B-pillarless design for easy entry and exit, as well as sliding doors, reclining seats, and plenty of headroom.

From The Verge ● Dec. 29, 2021

“Man, he’s got some explosive weapons. He’s stepping in for Winston, but Fitz is not a step-in guy. This guy has started in multiple cities,” Tomlin said.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 20, 2018

Can step-in director Hajime Tabata’s turn at the rudder resuscitate this once-beloved roleplaying franchise after a string of critically ambivalent installments?

From Time ● Sep. 27, 2016

Santillo said the recycling of fridges and freezers was a national issue and he urged the UK government to "step in and find a solution".

From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2026

Lawyers for Erika Kirk filed the new legal document last week ahead of the first anniversary of the shooting, the first step in preserving her right to sue the officials over the death.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

She thinks that investors should let the short-term volatility settle “and then step in and buy the high-quality names.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026

Smith makes treats like Skittles, gummy bears and pasta festooned with marigold petals, narrating each step in a baby-soft voice while wearing dreamy fits.

From Salon ● Sep. 12, 2026

The step in question proved to be as solid and unmoving as its counterparts.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques