sideline

1 of 2

noun

side·​line ˈsīd-ˌlīn 

1

: a line at right angles to a goal line or end line and marking a side of a court or field of play for athletic games

2

a

: a line of goods sold in addition to one's principal line

b

: a business or activity pursued in addition to one's regular occupation

3

a

: the space immediately outside the lines along either side of an athletic field or court

b

: a sphere of little or no participation or activity

—usually used in plural

sideline

2 of 2

verb

sidelined; sidelining; sidelines

transitive verb

: to put out of action : put on the sidelines

Examples of sideline in a Sentence

Noun

She makes and sells jewelry as a sideline.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Elevated mortgage rates kept many would-be buyers and sellers on the sidelines — and the lack of homes for sale is driving up prices for homes that are on the market. —Scott Horsley, NPR, 22 June 2024

Read on for more hospitality firms refusing to sit on the sidelines. —Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2024

Verb

The details of her injury and recovery plan have yet to be disclosed, but Brink will be sidelined for an indefinite period. —Trisha Garcia-Easto, Sacramento Bee, 20 June 2024

Technically, Buehler is being sidelined by a hip injury. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1913, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sideline

noun

side·​line

-ˌlīn

1

: a line marking the side of a playing field or court

2

: a business or job done in addition to one's regular occupation