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.
Upon avoiding vehicles, the Honda skidded sideways between the first lane and the emergency lane, and rolled at least three times, ejecting the driver. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025 But the venture went sideways when the revenue from 30-second ad spots fell well below projections, with ABC later canceling the series. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025 In a calmer state, your stress doesn’t come out sideways and upset your children. Juli Fraga, Time, 23 Sep. 2025 While being brought to the ground by Chicago Bears linebacker Noah Sewell, Lamb’s left ankle got wrapped under Sewell’s leg and bent sideways. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 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 10 Oct. 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!