step-up I. \ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology:step up : that increases, augments, or advances: as a.of a transformer: that increases voltage b.of a lease: that provides for increases in rent up to a maximum II. \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun (-s) : an increase or advance in size or amount < a step-up in production >