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

Where traditional sonars read down, underneath the boat, FFS reads sideways. —Mike McFeely, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026

Aspiration’s finances went sideways, however, as Sanberg was charged with wire fraud and Aspiration filed for bankruptcy. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026

The stock ground sideways for most of last year, broke out hard in late 2025, ran to $650, and has been giving it back ever since. —Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026

The mission nearly went sideways when one of the helicopters crashed while attempting to get guys on the ground. —David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 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