side street

noun

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

side street

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of side street¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

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

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

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"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."

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The moment Longoria drives away, agents on both sides of the truck remain in sight of the video, and they then pile into their vehicles and pursue Longoria’s truck down a side street.

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He walked down a side street, pointing out the singed remains of houses that he said were torched by Bedouins and government-linked fighters.

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