English noun: stepping stone | |||
| 1. | stepping stone (object) a stone in a marsh or shallow water that can be stepped on in crossing | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | rock, stone | ||
| 2. | stepping stone (act) any means of advancement | ||
| Samples | The job was just a stepping stone on his way to fame and riches. | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | agency, means, way | ||