sideline

[ sahyd-lahyn ]

noun

1. a line at the side of something.
2. a business or activity pursued in addition to one's primary business; a second occupation.
3. an additional or auxiliary line of goods:

   a grocery store with a sideline of household furnishings.

4. Sports.
   1. either of the two lines defining the side boundaries of a field or court.
   2. sidelines, the area immediately beyond either sideline, where the substitute players sit.
5. sidelines, the position or point of view taken by a person who observes an activity or situation but does not directly participate in it.

verb (used with object)

, side·lined, side·lin·ing.

1. to render incapable of participation, especially in anything involving vigorous, physical action, as a sport:

   An injury to his throwing arm sidelined the quarterback for two weeks.

sideline

/ ˈsaɪdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. sport a line that marks the side boundary of a playing area
2. a subsidiary interest or source of income
3. an auxiliary business activity or line of merchandise

verb

1. to prevent (a player) from taking part in a game
2. to prevent (a person) from pursuing a particular activity, operation, career, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of sideline¹

An Americanism dating back to 1685–95; side ¹ + line ¹

Example Sentences

A dejected Boulter looked on from the sidelines as Slovakia broke again before serving out the win that sealed a spot in their first final since they won the tournament in 2002.

From BBC

His attorneys general, Jeff Sessions and Bill Barr, quietly sidelined his demands that they prosecute Hillary Clinton and other top Democrats.

From Los Angeles Times

After he dived to catch a touchdown pass in the second quarter, Puka Nacua was assisted off the field by trainers and examined in the sideline medical tent.

From Los Angeles Times

He sacrificed his body on the play and needed several moments to recapture his breath before slowly making his way to the sideline, where he was briefly checked in the blue medical tent.

From Los Angeles Times

Riley indeed called a great play there, and Trojans fans hope his sideline work will be just as inspired now that he has a new leader.

From Los Angeles Times