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

He’ll be joined by Steve Lappas for analysis and Evan Washburn on the sidelines. —Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025

Powell’s watching from the sidelines, leaving investors to navigate the turbulence. —Dan Irvine, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Verb

Adams’ injury is an Achilles injury, according to KU coach Bill Self — an injury that could sideline him for many months and delay his transition to pro basketball. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025

Ducharme sat out of the tournament last year due to a series of head and neck injuries that sidelined her for 15 months. —Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sideline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

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