side-on

American  

[sahyd-on, -awn] / ˈsaɪdˈɒn, -ˈɔn /

adjective

1. (of two objects) meeting with the sides foremost.

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adverb

1. with the side or sides foremost, especially in a collision.

   The other car struck me side-on.

Etymology

Origin of side-on

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

He managed to do so side-on, so could continue, but his lap was a second off Max Verstappen's pole time, and he starts seventh, directly in front of Piastri.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2025

Of the current cars, the McLaren MCL39 is to my eyes easily the most beautiful, especially from side-on or rear three-quarters.

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2025

Plotting the distances in 3D produces a trace of the Galaxy’s spiral arms, and shows how the disk warps at its farthest reaches, forming an S-shape when seen side-on.

From Nature • Aug. 6, 2019

The batsmen come back for a second run and it seems straightforward, but Jadeja runs in from deep square leg and hits the stumps from side-on and a distance of 40 yards!

From The Guardian • Jul. 10, 2019

The skiff struck on her starboard bow, slid along the snag for a few feet, and then swung and hung there, side-on to the current and the wind.

From Down the Yellowstone by Freeman, Lewis R. (Lewis Ransome)