noun
One movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down.
Take one step toward me.
She took a step back.
Common phrases & grammar
take a step · one step at a time · step forward · step back
take + a/the + step
step + toward + noun
American English
How to pronounce step
noun · verbB1Very common word
STEHP
/stɛp̚/
One syllable.
One movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
noun
One action or stage in a process or plan.
The next step is to call the bank.
This is an important step in the process.
Common phrases & grammar
next step · first step · important step · take steps
the + next/first/last + step
take + steps + to + verb
noun
The flat part of a staircase that you put your foot on.
Be careful on the top step.
The child sat on the bottom step.
Common phrases & grammar
top step · bottom step · climb the steps · slip on a step
go up/down + the + steps
stand on + the + step
nounless common
A particular movement in a dance.
I need to learn the next step.
That dance has a simple step.
Common phrases & grammar
dance step · basic step
learn + a + dance step
Useful expressions
In a series of small stages or actions.
The guide explains the process step by step.
To become involved in a situation to help or stop a problem.
My manager stepped in to solve the problem.
Be careful where you put your feet.
Watch your step on the wet floor.
Related words & forms
The final consonant doubles before -ed and -ing: stepped, stepping.