sideline

1 of 2

noun

side·​line ˈsīd-ˌlīn How to pronounce sideline (audio)
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
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.
Noun
In their three matches since Schlotterbeck began his spell on the sidelines, BVB have conceded seven actual goals on 7.6 xG. Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 As the buzzer sounded and Consolidated fans roared with applause, Panther players walked slowly and somberly to the sideline while the Tigers rushed to each other in celebration, starting a dogpile. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
Watkins, who has two remaining years of eligibility, would be a no-brainer lottery pick, even with a torn ACL that would keep her sidelined for this upcoming WNBA season. Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Blood clots in the lungs, diagnosed three years earlier, had sidelined the Tennessee star for five games in 2018 and restricted him in practices in 2019 and 2020. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sideline

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sideline was circa 1862

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sideline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideline. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sideline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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