side street

American  

noun

1. a street leading away from a main street; an unimportant street or one carrying but little traffic.

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side street British  

noun

1. a minor or unimportant street, esp one leading off a main thoroughfare

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side street Idioms  

1. A minor thoroughfare that carries little traffic, as in Our favorite hotel is on a quiet little side street. The side in this idiom means “off to one side, away from the main street.” [c. 1600] Also see back street.

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Etymology

Origin of side street

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

Outside on one of the side streets that are full of stalls offering tourism souvenirs, like fluffy alpacas and scarves, Dina Huillca is sitting on the pavement selling roses, tomatoes and mint.

From BBC

Further casualties are also visible along this stretch of highway and in the neighbouring side streets.

From BBC

The shrine was tucked away down a side street on the edge of the city - a low-roofed room crowded with carved figures.

From BBC

However concerns have been raised over accessibility for those with mobility issues, traffic causing congestion to smaller side streets and its effect on residents.

From BBC

"It was coming down the side street off the side of the pub like a river. It was bringing bins, bricks and debris down the street."

From BBC