Dictionary

Explore meaning, context, and usage with an online dictionary experience optimized for multilingual workflows.

Clear

Try these words

Meaning of sideways

Source language: EnglishDictionary language: English

sideways

Pronunciation:/ˈsaɪdweɪz/

noun

Definitions

  1. A footpath near a road.

  2. A byway.

adjective

Definitions

  1. Moving or directed toward one side.

    Example: He gave the ball a sideways kick.

  2. Positioned sideways (with a side to the front).

    Example: There was a stack of papers in front of each seat at the table, but each stack was sideways.

  3. Neither moving upward nor moving downward.

    Example: Once we get out of this sideways economy, our figures will more accurately reflect what we're truly capable of.

  4. Not as planned; towards a worse outcome.

    Example: We realized the project could go sideways very quickly if we didn't get the sales and marketing people on our side.

adverb

Definitions

  1. With a side to the front.

    Example: He builds houses sideways, with the front door on the side.

  2. Towards one side.

    Example: A bishop moves only diagonally; a rook, only sideways, forward, and back.  He looked sideways at the new arrival, wondering who she was.

  3. Askance; sidelong.

  4. Neither upward nor downward.

    Example: The economy has been moving sideways for several months now.