side street

noun

1. a street leading away from a main street; an unimportant street or one carrying but little traffic.

side street

noun

1. a minor or unimportant street, esp one leading off a main thoroughfare

Word History and Origins

Origin of side street¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Idioms and Phrases

A minor thoroughfare that carries little traffic, as in Our favorite hotel is on a quiet little side street . The side in this idiom means “off to one side, away from the main street.” [c. 1600] Also see back street .

Example Sentences

They explain that because the operational firearms commander did not know Sgt Blake and his colleagues were parked in the side street, he would also not have known that they were about to intervene.

From BBC

On a quieter side street, a third woman joined the group, claiming to be related to the healer and went to see if he could help.

From BBC

While the larger roads of Old Delhi are packed with people, it's the quieter side streets where you'll often find the felines.

From Salon

He walked down a side street, eyes darting here and there, wondering how it would unfold.

From Los Angeles Times

The gunman then runs into a side street; in the ensuing shootout — which local media said lasted more than half an hour — he continues evading return fire.

From Los Angeles Times