step-by-step

adjective or adverb

: marked by successive degrees usually of limited extent : gradual

Examples of step-by-step in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The video then offered a step-by-step tutorial of how the mystery man achieved the hairstyle — including having the entire top, middle portion of his scalp shaved so that a fresh toupee could be carefully applied for the dramatic transformation. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024 Here's what to know, including step-by-step instructions. Steven Martinez, Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024 Here's what to know, including step-by-step instructions, about building your own eclipse viewer. Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2024 On the one hand, we’re all used to doing these things all the time with every TV show, and yet with this particular collective everything pretty much needs to be truly considered on a step-by-step basis. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024 Binders with big pictures show step-by-step directions on mixing batches of ice cream. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2024 And routine tasks, in an office or a factory, could be reduced to a series of step-by-step rules that have increasingly been automated. Steve Lohr, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024 Direct File offers step-by-step guidance for people whose returns require only the most basic federal forms — for example, people whose income was limited to wages recorded on a W-2 and Social Security benefits — but the IRS says the service will be available only until April 15. Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024 And if an appliance does develop a problem, the AI could generate step-by-step troubleshooting guides, tailored to the exact model and its current conditions. Bernard Marr, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'step-by-step.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of step-by-step was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near step-by-step

Cite this Entry

“Step-by-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step-by-step. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

step-by-step

adjective
ˌstep-bī-ˈstep
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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