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

That comes from him being a perfectionist on the sideline with every pass, every move. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Brown sprinted down the sideline for a 70-yard gain, the biggest play of the night, to set up a one-yard Milton rushing score. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026

Verb

Quinn Ewers, who started three games as a rookie last season, has struggled during his second training camp, and is now sidelined by a groin injury. — Omar Kelly august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon had been sidelined by hamstring issues, but both are now back in action. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 25 Aug. 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