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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

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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

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

She sells pullover and step-in versions at TulanesCloset.com.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 9, 2016

It’s unclear who will step in while the guitarist is focusing on his health, but Noodles appears confident the band has it covered.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026

Instead, he pointed out that it resulted from Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea having to step in at short notice after France pulled out of hosting the tournament for financial reasons.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026

In the fall of 2023, the university required students interested in pursuing computer science to complete an additional application step in order to apply for the major.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

Students have tried to step in, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026

Searching step by step in faint light angling in from a high window, Jimmy spotted the familiar sight of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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