stepping stone

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

stepping stone noun

1. one of a series of stones acting as footrests for crossing streams, marshes, etc
2. a circumstance that assists progress towards some goal

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

step•ping•stone or step•ping stone, /ˈstɛpɪŋˌstoʊn/   n. [countable]

1. a stone for stepping on in crossing a stream, etc.
2. any means or stage of advancement:
   His last job was just a steppingstone to here.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

step•ping•stone  (step′ing stōn′), n. 

1. a stone, or one of a line of stones, in shallow water, a marshy place, or the like, that is stepped on in crossing.
2. a stone for use in mounting or ascending.
3. any means or stage of advancement or improvement:
   She looked on the governorship as a steppingstone to the presidency.

• Middle English 1275–1325