sideboard

American  

[sahyd-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈsaɪdˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

1. a piece of furniture, as in a dining room, often with shelves, drawers, etc., for holding articles of table service.

2. a board forming a side or a part of a side; sidepiece.

3. Slang. sideboards, side whiskers.

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sideboard British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a piece of furniture intended to stand at the side of a dining room, with drawers, cupboards, and shelves to hold silver, china, linen, etc

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Etymology

Origin of sideboard

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; side ¹, board

Compare meaning

How does sideboard compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sideboard vs. credenza

Example Sentences

A massive Ruhlmann sideboard, first made in 1920, is inlaid with an ivory marquetry pattern that suggests—to me, least—soap bubbles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

Invicta resident David Bond is a council tenant, and proud of his military service in Cold War Germany, signified by two model tanks carefully displayed on his sideboard.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2024

But as so often happens, a tipple that initially made matrons clutch their pearls quickly became a regular feature on the society sideboard, and this John Collins-Tom Collins became a classic.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 6, 2023

He specializes in restoring midcentury items, such as a sideboard by the Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen and a dressing table by the British design company Archie Shine.

From New York Times • Jul. 12, 2023

She picks up a sterling fork from the sideboard, thrums her index finger along the tines.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Related Words

• cupboard