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

Day says he was "completely knocked sideways" by this policy condition, and soon realised he would have to foot the £1,200 bill himself.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Six people who were there—and still work together—spoke to WSJ about how things went sideways.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The stock was the market’s go-to artificial intelligence darling for nearly four years, but it has traded sideways since July: Shares have been caught between $165 and $195 for months.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

“We were right there and it went sideways fast.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

As he watched, the cub grabbed its back legs with its front paws and fell sideways in the snow with a tiny fwump.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz