sideline

American  

[sahyd-lahyn] / ˈsaɪdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a line at the side of something.

2. a business or activity pursued in addition to one's primary business; a second occupation.

3. an additional or auxiliary line of goods.

   a grocery store with a sideline of household furnishings.

4. Sports.

   1. either of the two lines defining the side boundaries of a field or court.

   2. sidelines, the area immediately beyond either sideline, where the substitute players sit.

5. sidelines, the position or point of view taken by a person who observes an activity or situation but does not directly participate in it.

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verb (used with object)

sidelined, sidelining

1. to render incapable of participation, especially in anything involving vigorous, physical action, as a sport.

   An injury to his throwing arm sidelined the quarterback for two weeks.

sideline British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. sport a line that marks the side boundary of a playing area

2. a subsidiary interest or source of income

3. an auxiliary business activity or line of merchandise

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verb

1. to prevent (a player) from taking part in a game

2. to prevent (a person) from pursuing a particular activity, operation, career, etc

Etymology

Origin of sideline

An Americanism dating back to 1685–95; side ¹ + line ¹

Example Sentences

Dominic Solanke, Spurs' most recognised central striker, was also sidelined for months with an ankle injury, although he is now back.

From BBC

On both occasions, Beijing has been left on the sidelines as an observer, incapable of helping those within its orbit.

From BBC

Garrett sustained shoulder and biceps sprains and was sidelined for the Browns’ game that week against the Atlanta Falcons.

From Los Angeles Times

“While a major escalation isn’t priced in, overall expectations have been reset by the extended sideways move. If tensions calm, there’s enough pessimism on the sidelines that the market could return to the positive.”

From Barron's

This season, nearly everyone in a Detroit uniform and on their sideline is prepared to do the same.

From The Wall Street Journal