variants
or B side
plural B-sides or B sides
1
: the reverse side of a phonograph record : flip side
The B-side of the album features a 12-minute instrumental piece …—
Quinn Moreland
Quinn Moreland2
: a recorded song (such as a remix or a previous outtake) that accompanies the lead selection on a single (see single entry 2 sense 1c(2)) or EP
The highly promoted single … will be backed with two B sides: a live gospel version of "One More Try" … and an instrumental version of "Older"…—The Boston Herald
The Boston Herald"I Promise" is yet another reminder that the songs Radiohead leaves off its albums are often just as good as the ones that make it on. … So why has the band still not put out a compilation of B-sides and rarities?—Zach Schonfeld
Zach Schonfeld
often, specifically
: such a song on the flip side of a record
The song ["I Saw Her Standing There"] … was chosen as the B side for the "I Want to Hold Your Hand" single that topped the charts in America. —Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone Examples of B-side in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The first two LPs feature the original record, while the remaining LPs collect a number of B-sides and rarities, alongside their 2004 BBC Radio 1 John Peel session, and seven demo recordings.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 1 May 2025
Out this Friday, May 2, The Wee Small Hours will feature B-sides, covers, and previously unreleased songs from the New Jersey band’s 14-year tenure with Domino.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025
Beyond just a simple repackage, the collection also includes remixes and a special B-side, which should appeal to longtime lovers of all things connected to the singer.
Cats Without Claws Experienced Modest Original Run
Summer first released Cats Without Claws in September 1984.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Sheeran and Kahan kicked back bottles of Modelo and played A-sides, B-sides and new material, clearly enjoying themselves, the crowd and each others company most of all.
—Marcus K. Dowling, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Eventually, after a lot of waiting, out came Flint’s Louie Ray, who mumbled his way through a questionable selection of B-sides.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2025
This label Drag City put it out, and there’s a B-side.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
The name is a nod the B-side record albums that featured the songs that never made it to the main album.
—Abigail Dubiniecki, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
In The City, a companion record of B-sides from around the time of your sophomore album.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
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.
Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 1 May 2025
Out this Friday, May 2, The Wee Small Hours will feature B-sides, covers, and previously unreleased songs from the New Jersey band’s 14-year tenure with Domino.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025
Beyond just a simple repackage, the collection also includes remixes and a special B-side, which should appeal to longtime lovers of all things connected to the singer.
Cats Without Claws Experienced Modest Original Run
Summer first released Cats Without Claws in September 1984.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Sheeran and Kahan kicked back bottles of Modelo and played A-sides, B-sides and new material, clearly enjoying themselves, the crowd and each others company most of all.
—Marcus K. Dowling, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Eventually, after a lot of waiting, out came Flint’s Louie Ray, who mumbled his way through a questionable selection of B-sides.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2025
This label Drag City put it out, and there’s a B-side.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
The name is a nod the B-side record albums that featured the songs that never made it to the main album.
—Abigail Dubiniecki, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
In The City, a companion record of B-sides from around the time of your sophomore album.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“B-side.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/B-side. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share