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.

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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

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

McAfee shook the hand of a young man who was wearing a sideways cap.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

Coffee has spent more than five decades moving sideways, and Addison believes that the longer prices stay trapped, the more powerful the eventual breakout can be.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

After 16 wickets fell on day one, another 17 came on Friday on a devilishly difficult surface for batting - an alarming amount of uneven bounce has been added to the sideways movement.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Nereyda quickly turned her phone sideways and hit record.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

He snorted a spark of outraged fire, twelve inches from Christopher’s elbow; he flinched sideways.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell