baby step

noun

: a very small step or advance in progress
These companies can create products that take a real leap forward, rather than the traditional baby steps that larger companies with greater commitments must make.Home Theater
baby-step verb, transitive + intransitive
baby-stepped; baby-stepping
… after the 2-1 victory that baby-stepped the sixth-place Rangers within four points of the first-place Devils … Larry Brooks
"This is murder," John Chaney had said in that ever-raspy voice as he baby-stepped toward the court Thursday night. "My feet are killing me." Tom Archdeacon

Examples of baby 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.
Compared even to the slow-burn of Williams’ last film Bull (2021), the film takes baby steps to reveal itself as a genre film, but the score by Raffertie is ahead of the action at every turn. Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 June 2025 And for you, this kind of confession is a necessary baby step toward being more vulnerable with your partner. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 5 June 2025 Avoiding technology completely may not be realistic—but taking baby steps can benefit your overall health. Alex Backus, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 Take baby steps toward actualizing a long-term aspiration as Mercury and Jupiter harmonize. Usa Today, USA Today, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for baby step

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baby step was in 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Baby step.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baby%20step. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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