sidelong

1 of 2

adverb

side·​long ˈsīd-ˌlȯŋ How to pronounce sidelong (audio)
1
2
archaic : on the side

sidelong

2 of 2

adjective

1
: lying or inclining to one side : slanting
2
a
: directed to one side
sidelong looks
b
: indirect rather than straightforward

Examples of sidelong in a Sentence

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.
Adverb
And there are some outstanding ones, like the high-polish oil sketch of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart that became the source of many other images, including the sour, sidelong-glancing Washington on the $1 bill. Holland Cotter, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2016
Adjective
Photo: Ann Broder / VHT for The Corcoran Group The primary bedroom looks south, with sidelong views of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 10 Nov. 2023 This pinballing structure also permits room for sidelong angles on the incident from various secondary parties, including Janka, outraged on her teacher’s behalf, and the school’s despairing principal, wondering why Erika couldn’t have covered their brand-new gym instead. Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for sidelong 

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

alteration of sideling entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sidelong was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sidelong

Cite this Entry

“Sidelong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sidelong. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sidelong

1 of 2 adverb
side·​long ˈsīd-ˌlōŋ How to pronounce sidelong (audio)
: out of the corner of one's eye
glanced sidelong at the food on the table

sidelong

2 of 2 adjective
ˌsīd-ˌlȯŋ
1
: made to one side or out of the corner of one's eye
a sidelong glance
2

More from Merriam-Webster on sidelong

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!