stepping stone
noun
variants
or less commonly stepping-stone
plural stepping stones also stepping-stones
1
: a stone on which to step (as in crossing a stream or following a path)
We filled our water bottles in a large, clear lake set in smooth granite, crossed a stream using stepping stones, and started up a winding path that rose to a series of switchbacks.—
Joshua Rothman
Joshua RothmanAs in a Japanese garden, where stepping-stones force you to savor your stroll, you must watch every step and wind your way around the Japanese pines and beach grasses.—Stephen Drucker
Stephen Drucker2
: a means of progress or advancement
a stepping stone to success
But now many more see a political job as a stepping stone to money, power and influence.—Barbara Gamarekian
Barbara GamarekianEach person I talked to was to be a stepping-stone to the overall plan. It was my job to educate them so they would take their natural places in the plan.—Jane Smiley
Jane SmileyExamples of stepping stone in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Their service wasn’t a stepping stone to something bigger.
—William Choslovsky, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Jan. 2025
In Kenya, the research is a stepping stone to developing strategies to warn residents about toxic blooms and promote safe water usage.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Whether inspiring creativity or fostering trust, each role provides a stepping stone to greater opportunities and achievements.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
The homes that once gave Americans a stepping stone into real estate are disappearing, according to experts.
—Carlos Waters, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
But Zelensky emphasized the development should be a stepping stone for the country to join the international military alliance.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 2 Jan. 2025
Viewing the state Capitol as a stepping stone back to the White House could be politically fatal.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
The data revealed that whale sharks tend to follow paths that connect key feeding grounds, with seamounts and industrial infrastructure acting as stepping stones along their journey.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Often seen as a stepping stone for drivers hoping to advance to higher levels of NASCAR competition, the series includes two main championships: the PRO Championship, which is the top tier, and the OPEN Championship, which offers broader accessibility to various drivers.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
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William Choslovsky, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Jan. 2025
In Kenya, the research is a stepping stone to developing strategies to warn residents about toxic blooms and promote safe water usage.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Whether inspiring creativity or fostering trust, each role provides a stepping stone to greater opportunities and achievements.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
The homes that once gave Americans a stepping stone into real estate are disappearing, according to experts.
—Carlos Waters, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
But Zelensky emphasized the development should be a stepping stone for the country to join the international military alliance.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 2 Jan. 2025
Viewing the state Capitol as a stepping stone back to the White House could be politically fatal.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
The data revealed that whale sharks tend to follow paths that connect key feeding grounds, with seamounts and industrial infrastructure acting as stepping stones along their journey.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Often seen as a stepping stone for drivers hoping to advance to higher levels of NASCAR competition, the series includes two main championships: the PRO Championship, which is the top tier, and the OPEN Championship, which offers broader accessibility to various drivers.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Dictionary Entries Near stepping stone
Cite this Entry
“Stepping stone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepping%20stone. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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