sideways

American  

[sahyd-wayz] / 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.

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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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of sideways

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

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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

See Examples For:

sideways

If Thanksgiving went sideways, we could always order pizza.

From Salon ● Oct. 28, 2026

He discusses it quite frankly with the series’ director, Chris Cottam, admitting that he’s a difficult person, but that his attempts to “control the situation” with fans always go sideways.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026

Adding language differences raises the odds of things going sideways.

From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026

These megacap names had struggled earlier in the year, with even the mighty Nvidia trading sideways for months.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026

He cast a sideways look at Cassiopeia, then clasped his hands in front of him and rolled his eyes heavenward.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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