Dictionary.com
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Idioms about step

Origin of step

before 900; (v.) Middle English steppen,Old English steppan; cognate with Old High German stepfen; akin to stamp; (noun) Middle English; Old English stepe

OTHER WORDS FROM step

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH step

step , steppe

Other definitions for step (2 of 2)

step-

a prefix denoting connection between members of a family by the remarriage of a parent and not by blood: stepbrother.

Origin of step-

Middle English; Old English stēop-; cognate with German stief-,Old Norse stjūp- step-; akin to Old English āstēpan to bereave, bestēpan to deprive (of children)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use step in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for step (1 of 4)

step
/ (stɛp) /

noun
verb steps, stepping or stepped

Derived forms of step

steplike, adjective

Word Origin for step

Old English stepe, stæpe; related to Old Frisian stap, stepe, Old High German stapfo (German Stapfe footprint), Old Norse stapi high rock

British Dictionary definitions for step (2 of 4)

Step
/ (stɛp) /

noun
  1. a set of aerobic exercises designed to improve the cardiovascular system, which consists of stepping on and off a special box of adjustable height
  2. (as modifier)Step aerobics

British Dictionary definitions for step (3 of 4)

STEP
/ (stɛp) /

n acronym for
Special Temporary Employment Programme

British Dictionary definitions for step (4 of 4)

step-

combining form
indicating relationship through the previous marriage of a spouse or parent rather than by bloodstepson; stepfather

Word Origin for step-

Old English stēop-; compare āstӯpan to bereave
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

Other Idioms and Phrases with step

step

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
FEEDBACK