wayside

noun

way·​side ˈwā-ˌsīd How to pronounce wayside (audio)
: the side of or land adjacent to a road or path
wayside adjective

see also by the wayside

Examples of wayside in a Sentence

Flowers grew along the wayside.
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.
In a society where men are often the breadwinners and handle household finances – and menstrual products are unaffordable for many – women’s health care needs tend to fall by the wayside, Ahsan said. Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026 These stories have fallen by the wayside. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026 With each passing year, certain design trends fall to the wayside in order to make room for various new looks to make their way into homes. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026 Supervision requirements went by the wayside during COVID-19. Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wayside

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wayside was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wayside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wayside. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

wayside

noun
way·​side ˈwā-ˌsīd How to pronounce wayside (audio)
: the side or border of a road or path
wayside adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on wayside

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