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

Herbert might not be the only Chargers starter who sits or sees reduced playing time against Denver, but Harbaugh didn’t say who might be joining Herbert on the sideline.

From Los Angeles Times

The central bank signaled in its December statement and economic forecast that it now wanted to move to the sidelines, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the point in his press conference following the meeting.

From MarketWatch

With Reaves sidelined for at least a month with a grade two strain in his left calf, Smith will be in line for more consistent minutes, Redick said before the game.

From Los Angeles Times

Commercial and clinical disappointments have sidelined the subject in recent years, as the obesity trade dominated investor debates.

From Barron's

Head was promoted to opener in the second innings at Perth when Usman Khawaja was sidelined with back spasms and has kept the position, cracking two centuries.

From Barron's