high-step: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “high-step” mean?
to lift the feet very high when walking or marching, often in an exaggerated or showy manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to lift the feet very high when walking or marching, often in an exaggerated or showy manner.
to behave or move in a proud, confident, or ostentatious way; to proceed with exaggerated confidence or flamboyance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American English, particularly associated with American marching bands and football touchdown celebrations. In British English, the term is understood but less frequent, with 'march with high steps' or 'lift one's feet high' being more typical phrasings.
Connotations
In American usage, it often connotes showmanship, celebration, or traditional marching style. In British usage, it may simply describe the physical action without strong cultural associations.
Frequency
Substantially more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “high-step” in a Sentence
[Subject] + high-step + (adverbial/prepositional phrase)[Subject] + high-step + it + (adverbial/prepositional phrase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high-step” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The guards had to high-step through the deep snow.
- She high-stepped it down the lane to avoid the puddles.
American English
- The player high-stepped into the end zone after the touchdown.
- The band high-stepped down Main Street in the parade.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in a business context.
Academic
Extremely rare in academic writing, except perhaps in descriptive passages of cultural studies or sports science.
Everyday
Used informally to describe walking with exaggeratedly high steps, especially to avoid puddles, mud, or when showing off.
Technical
Used in marching band/drill instruction, and sometimes in sports commentary (e.g., football players 'high-stepping' into the end zone).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high-step”
- Using it as a noun without context (e.g., 'He took a high-step' is less common).
- Overusing in formal writing.
- Confusing with 'step high' (which is a phrase, not a compound verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a verb, it is typically hyphenated ('high-step'). The noun form is often written as two words ('a high step') or hyphenated.
Yes, the past tense is regular: 'high-stepped'. For example, 'He high-stepped across the finish line.'
Yes. While both imply a showy walk, 'high-step' specifically emphasizes lifting the feet very high. 'Strut' emphasizes a proud, often arrogant, body posture and gait, not necessarily with high steps.
It is informal but not deep slang. It is a descriptive term with specific applications in marching and sports, making it acceptable in many informal and descriptive contexts.
to lift the feet very high when walking or marching, often in an exaggerated or showy manner.
High-step is usually informal in register.
High-step: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ ˌstep/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ ˌstep/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “high-step it”
- “come/go high-stepping”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HIGH-STEPping horse (like a show horse) or a drum major leading a band with very HIGH STEPS.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRIDE/SHOWMANSHIP IS ELEVATED MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'high-step' MOST typically used?