sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz 

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

Synonyms of sideways

• sidewise
• laterally
• obliquely

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

Because business interruption insurance will save you if something goes sideways. —Eric Ryan, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

At higher revs, the inlet cams shift sideways, opening the valves higher and longer to supply more fuel to the cylinder, thus maximizing performance. —New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2026

This results in plasma flows curving backward instead of expanding freely, and old plasma is pushed sideways, forming long, wispy tails. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Jan. 2026

Learn what dating looks like in different cultures, witness the devastation when crushes go sideways, and enjoy the redemption when couples rediscover their spark and move forward. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing sideways

• knock (someone) sideways

Rhymes for sideways

• aldolase
• alleyways
• amylase
• anaphase
• anhydrase
• anyways
• arginase
• cabarets
• carriageways
• castaways
• catalase
• cellulase

Kids Definition

sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz 

1

: from one side

viewed the stage sideways

2

: with one side forward

turn sideways

3

: to one side

fell sideways