Definition

1. Noun:
   • A short undergarment, typically underpants, for women or children: The word "step-in" refers to a type of underwear designed to be easily put on, often used in the plural form "step-ins".

Usage

• The term "step-in" is primarily used as a countable noun. It is most commonly found in its plural form, "step-ins", to refer to the garment itself.
• It describes a specific, often historical, style of women's or children's underpants.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She packed a few pairs of step-ins for her trip.
  • In the 1920s, step-ins became a popular form of women's underwear.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe other garments designed for easy wearing.
  • A step-in design was a feature of the new ballet shoes.

Variants and Related Words

• Step-ins (n, plural): The standard and most common form of the word.
• Panties (n): A more modern and general synonym for women's underpants.
• Knickers (n, chiefly British): A term for women's underpants.

Synonyms

• Underpants
• Panties
• Knickers (chiefly British)

Notes on Meaning

• The word "step-in" specifically connotes a garment one steps into, as opposed to one that fastens at the side. This highlights its design feature of being slipped on easily.
• Its usage is now somewhat dated, often associated with early-to-mid 20th-century fashion.

Noun

1. short underpants for women or children (usually used in the plural)