sidle

American  

[sahyd-l] / ˈsaɪd l /

verb (used without object)

sidled, sidling

1. to move sideways or obliquely.

2. to edge along furtively.

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noun

1. a sidling movement.

sidle British  

/ ˈsaɪdəl /

verb

1. to move in a furtive or stealthy manner; edge along

2. to move along sideways

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noun

1. a sideways movement

Other Word Forms

• sidler noun
• sidlingly adverb
• unsidling adjective

Etymology

Origin of sidle

First recorded in 1690–1700; back formation from sideling (earlier spelling sidling misconstrued as present participle of a verb ending in -le )

Example Sentences

I feel the word sidle up next to me, dig into me, try to make itself comfortable.

From Literature

The memory of James in the alley sidled into my mind.

From Literature

The boys had come up the street and sidled over to join us.

From Literature

Glory sidled up closer to Danny, both of them staring at the man in awe.

From Literature

One morning he sidled up next to me after roll call and tucked a hunk of bread into my hand, imploring, “Eat. You’re wasting away.”

From Literature

Related Words

• saunter