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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

He responded by touting the companies’ “overlap” and collaboration, before acknowledging that he can’t discuss corporate combinations on an earnings call and allowing Tesla’s general counsel to step in.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

“This is a step in a long process,” said Bill Hasencamp, manager of Colorado River resources for the Metropolitan Water District.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

The Welsh government can step in if a planning application "raises issues of more than local importance"

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

The company said the deal represents the next step in a strategy to expand beyond grocery shelves and into immersive experiences and experiential commerce.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

I take a hesitant step in her direction like I’m approaching a tiger.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera