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

Hiking miles across remote islands avoiding sheep manure and playing into sideways rain allowed us to discover the true origins of the game.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026

If Thanksgiving went sideways, we could always order pizza.

From Salon ● Oct. 28, 2026

Adding language differences raises the odds of things going sideways.

From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026

Just before the academy players go on the pitch, there is a sign that says: "Don't look sideways" - referring to where the first team train.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

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

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

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