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

Andrew Wiebe, the sideline reporter for tonight’s match on Apple TV+, reported that Sporting is in the final interview phase for its CSO position. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025

The biggest new name is found pacing the sideline, though; Ben Johnson takes over as a first-time head coach, previously coordinating Detroit’s explosive scoring attack. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

Verb

The attacker was sidelined for eight months and endured setbacks during his rehabilitation. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

The Rams had buyer’s remorse after a fractured scapula sidelined Jackson last season, and Poles quickly stepped up to take him for only a sixth-round draft pick. —Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 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