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

“Like any coach on the sideline, Caldwell was just as responsible as his players on the field for achieving what he viewed as victory that day,” they wrote.

From Washington Post

That was seven years ago, and while she has transitioned into executive leadership coaching, the prospect of doing good in a post-2020 world could convince her to come off the sidelines.

From Ozy

Henne was last week’s hero, but he’s likely to be back on the sideline during Sunday’s AFC championship game if Mahomes, who also hurt his foot last week, completes the NFL’s concussion protocol.

From Washington Post

A final driver forcing CEOs to come off the sideline is the expectation of today’s more politically engaged younger workers.

From Time

He completed 11 of 27 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns, and he had a pick-six on a short pass to the sideline.

From Washington Post

The Democrats were able to sideline Kucinich and avoid a divisive impeachment battle.

From The Daily Beast

Back in 2005, Franklin had referred to sideline reporter Holly Rowe as “sweetheart.”

From The Daily Beast

Twenty minutes later, U.S. striker Jozy Altidore was barreling down the left sideline at top speed in pursuit of the ball.

From The Daily Beast

Even after she left its barbed bosom, it did its best to further excommunicate and sideline her.

From The Daily Beast

Which sideline reporter will appear on television first after kickoff: Erin Andrews or Pam Oliver?

From The Daily Beast

If some interesting sideline crops up, they can't investigate it.

From Project Gutenberg

Sure, you got improvements to make but a new sideline can get to be pretty profitable—if you get in on the ground floor.

From Project Gutenberg

The average subject is handled standing and can be restrained with a twitch, sideline and hood.

From Project Gutenberg

Sharkie Johnson worked in Fuels Section, and he made a nice little sideline of stealing alcohol, cutting it, and selling it.

From Project Gutenberg

Everyone had a little sideline, a gimmick, to put one over on whoever was gullible enough to swallow it.

From Project Gutenberg