sidle

verb

si·​dle ˈsī-dᵊl How to pronounce sidle (audio)
sidled; sidling ˈsī-dᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce sidle (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bypass the touristy front stalls to sidle up at 14-seat Bar Pinotxo’s counter. Amanda Eyre Ward, Bon Appétit, 19 Mar. 2025 At one point, Beth sidles up to Travis’ girlfriend Sadie, who is a quarter-century younger and played by, sigh, Bella Hadid. Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025 Billy Joel sidled up to introduce his fiancée, supermodel Christie Brinkley. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Standing atop one of the paddock buildings at the Bahrain International Circuit overlooking the second sector, a figure in Formula One team gear sidled up alongside me. Luke Smith, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sidle

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from sideling entry 2

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of sidle was in 1577

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sidle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sidle. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

sidle

verb
si·​dle ˈsīd-ᵊl How to pronounce sidle (audio)
sidled; sidling ˈsīd-liŋ How to pronounce sidle (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
: to go or move with one side forward
the waiter sidled around the end of the counter

More from Merriam-Webster on sidle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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