sideways

American  

[sahyd-weyz] / ˈsaɪdˌweɪz /

Also sidewise

adverb

1. with a side foremost.

2. facing to the side.

3. toward or from one side.

4. with a deceitful, scornful, disparaging, or amorous glance.

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adjective

1. moving, facing, or directed toward one side.

2. indirect or evasive.

sideways British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌweɪz /

adverb

1. moving, facing, or inclining towards one side

2. from one side; obliquely

3. with one side forward

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adjective

1. moving or directed to or from one side

2. towards or from one side

sideways Idioms  

1. see knock for a loop (sideways); look sideways at.

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Etymology

Origin of sideways

First recorded in 1570–80; side ¹ + -ways

Explanation

When something occurs on or in the direction of one side, it happens sideways. You can lean over sideways to see if your cat's hiding under the bed, or tip a teapot sideways to pour the last drops out. Sideways works as an adjective or adverb to describe things that lean toward one side or at an angle. A sideways tilt to a motorcycle might look scary, but it's safe if the rider is experienced. You can also use this word figuratively for "indirect" or "unconventional." So you might describe a movie that approaches serious subjects from a sideways perspective, using comedy. Sideways dates from the mid-16th century.

Example Sentences

In damp conditions at Lord's, with the match often played under grey skies and floodlights, the ball moved sideways throughout.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

“Things have mostly gone sideways since October but this is the first true bitcoin bear market we’ve seen since the ETFs launched,” said Seyffart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Nereyda quickly turned her phone sideways and hit record.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

The weekly chart highlights a prolonged sideways trading range between the round $20 and $30 levels.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Erato tipped the potion into a pot and held the pot sideways over the fire, so the liquid flowed to its side, close to the lip but not overflowing.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell