in step

1 of 2

phrase

1
: with each foot moving to the same time as the corresponding foot of others or in time to music
2
: in harmony or agreement

instep

2 of 2

noun

in·​step ˈin-ˌstep How to pronounce instep (audio)
1
: the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint
especially : its upper surface
2
: the part of a shoe or stocking that fits over the instep

Illustration of instep

Illustration of instep
  • instep 1

Examples of in step in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Denise’s were the shiny rich brown of horse chestnuts, with a leather braid over the instep. — Rachel Kushner, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025 It’s also designed with an adjustable instep for cushioning and support. — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 20 June 2026 The instep section of the upper features a tiny v-notch (a small cutout) that makes the shoes a little bit more flexible and easier to walk in, too. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026 In an animal print and with generous straps across the instep, the result feels much more like grown-up sophistication than any naivete. — Alex Sales, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in step

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of in step was in the 15th century

Rhymes for in step

See All Rhymes for in step

Browse Nearby Words

instellation
in step
instep
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In step.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20step. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

instep

noun
in·​step ˈin-ˌstep How to pronounce instep (audio)
1
: the arched middle part of the human foot
2
: the part of a shoe or stocking that fits over the instep

Medical Definition

instep

noun
in·​step ˈin-ˌstep How to pronounce instep (audio)
: the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint
especially : its upper surface
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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