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

Johnson and her niece were coming from Mid-City and took side streets because she refuses to drive on the freeway.

From Los Angeles Times

Arevalo suggests parking on residential side streets, and plan for a bit of a walk to the festival.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Penelope followed, but the side streets were narrow and full of shadows.

From Literature

The birds made one last turn and fluttered into a narrow side street.

From Literature