step-on

American

[step-on, -awn] / ˈstɛpˌɒn, -ˌɔn /

adjective

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

step on British

verb

to place or press the foot on
informal to behave harshly or contemptuously towards
slang to adulterate drugs
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.

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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023