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

Zealous behavior can go sideways fast when the flame gets out of control. —Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2025

And if things really go sideways, the drone uses GPS, Galileo, and Beidou satellites to track its position. —New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2025

Annahstasia, Tether Annahstasia Enuke’s voice — by turns a breathily bassy and sweetly soaring instrument — snatches you sideways across time. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025

The bear was rolling sideways down the mountain, straight toward the boys. —William J. McRae, Outdoor Life, 26 Nov. 2025

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