sideways

adverb or adjective

side·​ways ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio)
Synonyms of sidewaysnext
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.
Of course, coughing up draft picks like that, should things go sideways, is a real gamble. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Creatine Claims Midlife Women Should Question Dosage is where things often go sideways. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 29 June 2026 Instead of planning a perfect weekend, assume something will go sideways and leave room for it. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 The Jeep came to rest sideways across the highway. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster