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

That escalated into a shoving match that spilled into the sideline, causing players from both teams to intervene. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026

The sideline during games is a balance of whimsical and serious, countering jokes and laughs with talks of how to limit opponents. —Pj Green april 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026

Verb

This marks the third time in the last five years Thielbar, 39, has gone on the IL because of this same injury to his left hamstring, which sidelined him for 16 days in 2022 and 18 days in 2024. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

With Anthony sidelined, the Red Sox will hope the rest of their struggling hitters can break out of their recent funk without him. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

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