sidebar

noun

side·​bar ˈsīd-ˌbär 

1

a

: a short news story or graphic accompanying and presenting sidelights of a major story

b

: something incidental : sidelight

a sidebar to the essay's central theme

2

: a conference between the judge, the lawyers, and sometimes the parties to a case that the jury does not hear

Examples of sidebar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trade missions, two‑way investment, student and scientific exchanges, and cultural and digital learning partnerships should be seen as core tools of American diplomacy, not sidebars. — David Bohigian, Fortune, 19 July 2026

The Venice Film Festival’s immersive sidebar celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a selection of projects, including titles featuring contributions by high-profile names such as Margot Robbie and Omar Sy. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 July 2026

The first film jury will present the Lion of the Future best film honor to a feature-length debut screening in either the official Venice festival competition or one of its sidebars. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026

One unexpected sidebar from the wedding of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and singer Taylor Swift has been the focus on their pets. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for sidebar

• abattoir
• alcazar
• autocar
• avatar
• belshazzar
• caviar
• caviare
• cinnabar
• commissar
• condylar
• deodar
• handlebar

Legal Definition

sidebar

noun

side·​bar ˈsīd-ˌbär 

: sidebar conference

had failed to request a sidebar before injecting the collateral offense into the trial

—Dockery v. State, 659 So. 2d 219 (1994)

also : the place near or before the bench where a sidebar conference takes place

the judge informed both attorneys…that they…could stand at sidebar while questions were posed

—Commonwealth v. Urena, 632 N.E.2d 1200 (1994)

compare bench, stand

sidebar adjective