sidle

verb

si·​dle ˈsī-dᵊl 

sidled; sidling ˈsī-dᵊl-iŋ 

ˈsīd-liŋ

intransitive verb

: to go or move with one side foremost especially in a furtive advance

transitive verb

: to cause to move or turn sideways

sidle noun

Examples of sidle in a Sentence

He sidled up to me and slipped me a note.

She sidled over and whispered, “Do you see that guy?”.

She sidled through the narrow opening.

Recent Examples on the Web

Needing the backing of one camp to pass his budget earlier this week, Barnier sidled to the right more than the left, appeasing Le Pen’s demands. —Joseph Ataman, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024

The Commanders allow family members to watch training camp practices and then, following a cool-down period, sidle up to players coming off the practice field at Ortho Virginia training center. —Ben Standig, The Athletic, 19 Aug. 2024

All the bedrooms can be found upstairs, including a spacious primary suite that comes complete with a seating area sidled up next to a fireplace, two sets of French doors spilling out onto a private balcony, and dual walk-in closets and baths. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2024

At the party, Sai sidles up to Jenna and admits her part in it. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from sideling entry 2

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

sidle

verb

si·​dle ˈsīd-ᵊl 

sidled; sidling ˈsīd-liŋ 

-ᵊl-iŋ

: to go or move with one side forward

the waiter sidled around the end of the counter