sidle

[ sahyd-l ]

verb (used without object)

, si·dled, si·dling.

1. to move sideways or obliquely.
2. to edge along furtively.

noun

1. a sidling movement.

sidle

/ ˈsaɪdəl /

verb

1. to move in a furtive or stealthy manner; edge along
2. to move along sideways

noun

1. a sideways movement

Derived Forms

• ˈsidler, noun

Other Words From

• sidling·ly adverb
• un·sidling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sidle¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; back formation from sideling (earlier spelling sidling misconstrued as present participle of a verb ending in -le )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sidle¹

C17: back formation from obsolete sideling sideways

Example Sentences

He resisted the lures of the buckle bunnies who linger late in a rodeo arena, looking to sidle up against the winners.

From The Daily Beast

Best Seat in the House: Sidle up to the glossy bar in the Lobby; reserve a table near the fireplace in the Punch Room.

From The Daily Beast

Sidle up to the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel, the alleged originator of the Bloody Mary.

From The Daily Beast

Look in my face while I snuff the sidle of evening, Talk honestly, for no one else hears you, and I stay only a minute longer.

From The Daily Beast

However, now is the chance to sidle up to the newly engaged royal—or at least a faux version of him.

From The Daily Beast

His interlocutor began, with a shake of the eyeglass, to shift and sidle again, as if distinctly excited by the subject.

From Project Gutenberg

"You'll admit it is a tradition," said Saulisbury, glad of a chance to sidle away.

From Project Gutenberg

Night after night she would sidle up to his knee, and sue for his notice; and night after night she would retire discomfited.

From Project Gutenberg

He could whirl her, dip her, sidle her, lead or pursue her; and she obeyed his will as instantly as if he were her owner.

From Project Gutenberg

Then she tried to sidle through the narrow opening, got stuck, and was urged on by Madge pushing her.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• saunter