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

• broadside
• crabwise
• edgeways [chiefly British]
• edgewise
• sidewise

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

Emotional Stability - very important Successful teams have someone who keeps their cool when everything's going sideways. —Melinda Elmborg, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The tree grew up and down and sideways – there were almost 7,500 names. —Natalie Morales, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2024

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Carlo skates well enough to join the rush and retreat in case something goes sideways. —Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Likewise, anything related to your job might suddenly go sideways in a New York minute. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing sideways

• knock (someone) sideways

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