sideways

adverb or adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web That was the only time the trip could’ve gone sideways. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024 However the Bears could also use help at corner – perhaps especially so if negotiations with unsigned Jaylon Johnson go sideways. Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2024 McIver's defense argued that the bullet trajectory showed the gun could have been resting sideways on his lap when it was discharged. Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2024 His saving grace is that Larry almost never punches down, up or sideways without injuring himself twice as badly. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2024 All seemed well now, but for several minutes after posting—during the initial traffic rush on the new post—things had gone sideways. Lee Hutchinson, Ars Technica, 26 Jan. 2024 Vampire Weekend are using the Siegel photo, which shows a man standing sideways, similar to the guy in the teaser video, as sleeve art for the record. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2024 For every craggy brown rock that pimpled up through the snow there were 50 more hidden below — all threatening to send me careening sideways with every step. Nick Fasciano, Outdoor Life, 8 Feb. 2024 Hold your Maple-Bacon Smokies together by skewering them sideways, so that the toothpick lays parallel to your baking sheet. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sideways.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sideways was in 1572

Dictionary Entries Near sideways

Cite this Entry

“Sideways.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideways. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sideways

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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