step-in

American  

[step-in] / ˈstɛpˌɪn /

adjective

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

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of step-in

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

Example Sentences

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

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

The band tweeted that Brian O'Sullivan, who led the singing, could step-in for lead singer Brandon Flowers.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2016