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

Kashkari categorized the labor market as decent, but mostly moving sideways.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

“Core inflation is moving sideways or ticking up,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 26, 2026

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

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

SEATTLE—Despite the American bravado heading into its home World Cup, there was always an unspoken fear that everything might suddenly go sideways for the U.S. national team.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

Elliot cried out and twisted so we stumbled sideways.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin