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  • step-on
    step-on
    adjective
    made to open by the operation of a pedal, as a can for kitchen garbage.
  • step on
    step on
    verb
    to place or press the foot on
Synonyms

step-on

American  
[step-on, -awn] / ˈstɛpˌɒn, -ˌɔn /

adjective

  1. made to open by the operation of a pedal, as a can for kitchen garbage.


step on British  

verb

  1. to place or press the foot on

  2. informal to behave harshly or contemptuously towards

  3. slang to adulterate drugs

  4. informal to go more quickly, hurry up

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of step-on

adj. use of verb phrase step on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

If the lines between lawn and bed are blurred or wobbly, use the step-on, half-moon edger in the worst spots to recut them cleanly.

From Seattle Times Jul. 13, 2021

"Today was a massive step-on from our race in Belgrade three weeks ago."

From The Guardian May 27, 2012

Voss continued to lead followed by Gibson, Rockstar Energy/Suzuki's Mike Brown moved into the lead after a few laps, but was passed by Gibson in the step-on step-off section.

From Time Magazine Archive

There is so much power in third gear that all you have to do is turn the throttle: no clutchwork is required at all, even on tricky step-on, step-off combinations with no take-off lip.

From Time Magazine Archive

Ricky once again cased in a step-on, step-off section, and Stewart went by him and into the lead.

From Time Magazine Archive

"There's been a lot that has surrounded all of us pretty much since we joined. At the end of the day, once you step on the golf course it's just golf," said Rahm.

From BBC Aug. 24, 2026

Added Thompson: “I know my speed is pretty much unmatched when I step on the field, and that’s something I take strong confidence in.”

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 9, 2026

Part of the reason more students are graduating early is because it’s easier than in previous generations to stack up college credits before they even step on campus.

From MarketWatch Aug. 4, 2026

Safety and soundness considerations required regulators to hit the brakes, while affordable-housing goals required them to step on the accelerator.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 20, 2026

The noise of crickets felt as though it would pierce my eardrums, and I prayed I wouldn’t step on any snakes or scorpions.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

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