sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio)
Synonyms of sidewaysnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the 34th minute of a round of 16 match against Bulgaria, Negrete passed to teammate Javier Aguirre and then launched himself sideways to scissor kick Aguirre’s return volley and score a dazzling goal. Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 June 2026 Seeds are sprinkled onto a two-inch-deep layer of sand laid out on a plastic tarp, which forces the sod’s root system to grow sideways instead of down. Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 Think of a robot that can walk back and forth and sideways with equal ease, without having to reorient. New Atlas, 9 June 2026 Turn the chair sideways and insert the armrests into their slots on the UMS, then screw them into place. Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sideways

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sideways was in 1572

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sideways.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideways. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

sideways

adverb or adjective
side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio)
1
: from one side
viewed the stage sideways
2
: with one side forward
turn sideways
3
: to one side
fell sideways

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