sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz 

1

: from one side

2

: with one side forward

turn sideways

3

a

: in a lateral direction or downward to one side

hopped sideways

slump sideways

b

: askance

look sideways at someone

Synonyms

• sidewise
• laterally
• obliquely
• broadside

Examples of sideways in a Sentence

I had to walk sideways to get between the two towering piles of boxes

she glanced at us sideways when she heard us claim we weren't there that night

Recent Examples on the Web

The centre-back hesitates and then passes sideways, which disappoints Szoboszlai and Bradley. —The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

This is starting to go sideways in a hurry. —Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025

Upon avoiding vehicles, the Honda skidded sideways between the first lane and the emergency lane, and rolled at least three times, ejecting the driver. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025

But the venture went sideways when the revenue from 30-second ad spots fell well below projections, with ABC later canceling the series. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing sideways

• knock (someone) sideways

Rhymes for sideways

• aldolase
• alleyways
• amylase
• anaphase
• anhydrase
• anyways
• arginase
• cabarets
• carriageways
• castaways
• catalase
• cellulase

Kids Definition

sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz 

1

: from one side

viewed the stage sideways

2

: with one side forward

turn sideways

3

: to one side

fell sideways