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 used in 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

In 2020, the requirement to leave the sideline after being ejected was removed. —Chris Vannini, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026

Mick Cronin just seems to be angry all the time prowling the sidelines. —Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026

Verb

With Florida Panthers pivot Aleksander Barkov sidelined by reconstructive knee surgery all season, Granlund ascended to the role of team captain. —Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026

The injury report is growing for the Bulls, who played without Simons in addition to Jaden Ivey (out two weeks with knee soreness) and Zach Collins (sidelined for the season). —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 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

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

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