sidewall

American

[sahyd-wawl] / ˈsaɪdˌwɔl /

noun

the part of a pneumatic tire between the edge of the tread and the rim of the wheel.
a wall that serves as the side of a structure.
the side part of the upper of a shoe.

sidewall British

/ ˈsaɪdˌwɔːl /

noun

either of the sides of a pneumatic tyre between the tread and the rim

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sidewall

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at side ¹, wall

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“There is beauty in the sidewall and the neighbor’s trees. The views extend the house outwards.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2025

Otherwise, the hole is sealed with a plug, and from the inside it is covered by a sidewall.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 6, 2024

A statement by governing body the FIA said Pirelli had noticed "a separation in the sidewall" when they checked tyres on Friday.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2023

Heavy and overloaded vehicles in extreme heat are particularly susceptible to sidewall blowouts, according to Chicago-based United Tires, a nationwide used-tire seller.

From Scientific American • Aug. 18, 2023

She was on the opposite side, standing against the sidewall, calm as a summer day.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023