step

/stɛp/
verb
  1. To lift one foot and put it down in a new position, as in walking.
    • He stepped onto the bus just before the doors closed.
    • She stepped back to avoid the falling branch.
    • Please step carefully over the puddle.
  2. To move a short distance, especially in a specified direction.
    • He stepped into the room and turned on the light.
    • Can you step aside so I can see the screen?
    • She stepped forward to accept the award.
  3. To press down on something with the foot.
    • Don't step on the flowers in the garden.
    • He accidentally stepped on a snail while walking in the dark.
    • She stepped on the brake pedal to stop the car.
noun
  1. The act of lifting one foot and putting it down in a new position, as in walking.
    • With each step, the hiker felt more tired.
    • She took a step forward to get a better view.
    • He heard a step on the stairs behind him.
  2. A flat surface, especially one in a series, used for walking up or down (e.g., a stair).
    • She sat on the bottom step to tie her shoes.
    • Be careful on the step; it's a little loose.
    • The front step was covered with fallen leaves.
  3. One stage in a process or series of actions.
    • Learning to read is an important step in a child's education.
    • We need to take the next step in our project plan.
    • The first step in baking a cake is to preheat the oven.
  4. A movement or pattern of movement in dancing.
    • The routine includes a tricky step that requires good balance.
    • He practiced the step until he could do it without thinking.
    • The dance instructor taught us a new step for the waltz.