sideways

American  

[sahyd-weyz] / ˈsaɪdˌweɪz /

Also sidewise

adverb

1. with a side foremost.

2. facing to the side.

3. toward or from one side.

4. with a deceitful, scornful, disparaging, or amorous glance.

---

adjective

1. moving, facing, or directed toward one side.

2. indirect or evasive.

sideways British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌweɪz /

adverb

1. moving, facing, or inclining towards one side

2. from one side; obliquely

3. with one side forward

---

adjective

1. moving or directed to or from one side

2. towards or from one side

sideways Idioms  

1. see knock for a loop (sideways); look sideways at.

---

Etymology

Origin of sideways

First recorded in 1570–80; side ¹ + -ways

Explanation

When something occurs on or in the direction of one side, it happens sideways. You can lean over sideways to see if your cat's hiding under the bed, or tip a teapot sideways to pour the last drops out. Sideways works as an adjective or adverb to describe things that lean toward one side or at an angle. A sideways tilt to a motorcycle might look scary, but it's safe if the rider is experienced. You can also use this word figuratively for "indirect" or "unconventional." So you might describe a movie that approaches serious subjects from a sideways perspective, using comedy. Sideways dates from the mid-16th century.

Example Sentences

From a technical perspective, gold is trying to break out of the weak, sideways trading pattern that has been in place since early April, Sevens Report’s Richey said.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

He tweaked the images, removing plastic gloves and flipping objects like a vase sideways to make for a more engaging composition.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

That started a quick 20% drawdown, followed by sideways action after a very nice price run from April 2025 into November.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

"To disentangle the relative roles of innovation and environmental change, we need further analyses of trait-dependent diversification, fossil-informed timelines and performance tests that link true crabs' sideways movement to adaptive advantages," Kawabata adds.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2026

He tipped the ladder sideways and edged it through the door.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood