sidelong

[ sahyd-lawng, -long ]

adjective

1. directed to one side:

   a sidelong glance.

2. inclined or slanting to one side.
3. indirect; roundabout:

   sidelong comments about his appearance.

adverb

1. toward the side; obliquely.

sidelong

/ ˈsaɪdˌlɒŋ /

adjective

1. directed or inclining to one side
2. indirect or oblique

adverb

1. from the side; obliquely

Word History and Origins

Origin of sidelong¹

First recorded in 1515–25; side ¹ + long ¹

Example Sentences

“I’m turning on you,” Smith replies with a sidelong glance.

From Los Angeles Times

Gracus glanced sidelong at this enormous gnat that continued to buzz in his ear.

From Literature

Against the committee-room grandstanding of popular memory, the series thus fashions the entire Eisenhower era from the raw materials of the closet, from subtext, secrets, sidelong glances and confidential tones.

From Los Angeles Times

It can arise in the classroom or workplace, and take the form of a subtle snub, a direct insult or sidelong glance.

From Los Angeles Times

In each of those performances, she conveyed tenderness, compassion and quiet determination in the face of indignity with little more than a tearful gaze or a knowing sidelong glance.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ambiguous
• ancillary
• circuitous
• implied
• incidental
• oblique
• tortuous