sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio)
1
: from one side
2
: with one side forward
turn sideways
3
a
: in a lateral direction or downward to one side
hopped sideways
slump sideways
b
: askance
look sideways at someone

Examples of sideways in a Sentence

I had to walk sideways to get between the two towering piles of boxes she glanced at us sideways when she heard us claim we weren't there that night
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Emery instructs players to pass backwards rather than sideways, as square passes are easier for opponents to intercept and can lead to transitions. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 One moment, the Sound of Sleat is a sheet of silver under a pale sun; the next, wind drives rain sideways into the distillery’s courtyard, rattling the pagoda roof. Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 If a user wants to take a landscape photo, the user doesn't have to turn the smartphone sideways, Nash explained. Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025 The viewers expressed as much on social media, although not until things had gone sideways, with a safety and Cougars touchdown that put the Aztecs behind 19-7 at the half. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sideways

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sideways was in 1572

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sideways.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideways. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sideways

adverb or adjective
side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio)
1
: from one side
viewed the stage sideways
2
: with one side forward
turn sideways
3
: to one side
fell sideways

More from Merriam-Webster on sideways

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!