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

A couple of big names were removed from Boise State’s report ahead of Saturday’s game at Fresno State, but a few key players will also still be watching from the sideline. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Oct. 2026

Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey also is facing a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury playing for the Netherlands. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

An ankle injury likely will sideline Dolphins receiver Caleb Douglas for a third consecutive game. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas, who is second on the team in receiving yards (113) and tied for third in receptions (seven), has also been sidelined for two games. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 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