sideline

1 of 2

noun

side·​line ˈsīd-ˌlīn 

1

: a line at right angles to a goal line or end line and marking a side of a court or field of play for athletic games

2

a

: a line of goods sold in addition to one's principal line

b

: a business or activity pursued in addition to one's regular occupation

3

a

: the space immediately outside the lines along either side of an athletic field or court

b

: a sphere of little or no participation or activity

—usually plural

sideline

2 of 2

verb

sidelined; sidelining; sidelines

transitive verb

: to put out of action : put on the sidelines

Examples of sideline in a Sentence

Noun

She makes and sells jewelry as a sideline.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Taylor Swift has made moves both behind and in front of the camera, but according to actress Carrie Coon, the singer might have yet another sideline as a professional impressionist. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2026

Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rupena said the high interest rates are likely keeping buyers on the sidelines — and those rates aren’t necessarily dropping anytime soon. — Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 5 Nov. 2026

Verb

Garrett, 30, was sidelined for much of training camp because of an unspecified knee issue. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

The Cavaliers out-rebounded the 76ers by 14 despite center Jarrett Allen being sidelined because of a bruised right knee. — ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sideline

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

Kids Definition

sideline

noun

side·​line

-ˌlīn

1

: a line marking the side of a playing field or court

2

: a business or job done in addition to one's regular occupation