steppingstone
Americannoun
-
a stone, or one of a line of stones, in shallow water, a marshy place, or the like, that is stepped on in crossing.
-
a stone for use in mounting or ascending.
-
any means or stage of advancement or improvement.
She looked on the governorship as a steppingstone to the presidency.
Etymology
Origin of steppingstone
Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325
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.
“I don’t think it’s a normal steppingstone for any other coach.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
The program is also a steppingstone for students who want to pursue more advanced medical training, which Levine said Ballad would help pay for.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2025
“It’s just building my confidence back up and using today as a steppingstone to keep building and building,” said Malabuyo, who also recorded a 9.925 on floor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 25, 2025
The part-time work can also be a steppingstone toward a full-time position.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 5, 2024
I uncovered a single steppingstone, slightly worn, that led nowhere, yet lay as a subtle ap-pendage to the small rock garden.
From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
