First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1side
noun \ˈsīd\
Definition of SIDE
1
a : the right or left part of the wall or trunk of the body <a pain in the side> b (1) : one of the halves of the animal body on either side of the median plane (2) : a cut of meat including that about the ribs of one half of the body —used chiefly of smoked pork products c : one longitudinal half of a hide
2
: a place, space, or direction with respect to a center or to a line of division (as of an aisle, river, or street)
3
a : one of the longer bounding surfaces or lines of an object especially contrasted with the ends <the side of a barn> b : a line or surface forming a border or face of an object <a die has six sides> <the back side of the moon> c : either surface of a thin object <one side of a record> <right side of the cloth> d : a bounding line of a geometric figure <side of a triangle>
4
a : the space beside one <stood by my side> b : an area next to something —usually used in combination <a poolside interview>
5
: a slope (as of a hill) considered as opposed to another slope <the far side of the hill>
6
a : the attitude or activity of one person or group with respect to another : part <there was no malice on my side> b : a position that is opposite to or contrasted with another <two sides to every question> <came down on the side of law and order> c : a body of partisans or contestants <victory for neither side> d : team 4a <11 players on each side>; also : the players on a baseball team batting in an inning <struck out the side>
7
: a line of descent traced through one's parent <grandfather on his mother's side>
8
: an aspect or part of something contrasted with some other real or implied aspect or part <the better side of his nature> <the sales side of the business> <the seasoning is a bit on the heavy side>
9
British : sideways spin imparted to a billiard or snooker ball
10
: a sheet containing the lines and cues for a single theatrical role
11
: a recording of music
12
: a side order or dish <a side of fries>
— on the side
1
: in addition to the main portion
2
: in addition to a principal occupation
3
: secretly outside of one's marriage or romantic relationship <seeing another woman on the side>
— this side of
: short of : almost <an attitude just this side of scandalous>
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SIDE
Middle English, from Old English sīde; akin to Old High German sīta side, Old English sīd ample, wide
2side
adjective
: of or located on the side of something
: happening or done in addition to the main or most important thing
: in addition to the main meal
Full Definition of SIDE
1
a : situated on the side <side window> b : of or relating to the side
2
a : directed toward or from the side <side thrust> <side wind> b : incidental, indirect <side issue> <side remark> c : made on the side <side payment> d : additional to the main portion <a side order of french fries>
See side defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SIDE
14th century
Related to SIDE
- Synonyms
- lateral
3side
verb
: to cover the outside walls of (a building) with long pieces of material (called siding)
sid·edsid·ing
Full Definition of SIDE
transitive verb
1
: to agree with : support
2
: to be side by side with
3
: to set or put aside : clear away <side the dishes>
4
: to furnish with sides or siding <side a house>
intransitive verb
: to take sides : join or form sides <sided with the rebels>
See side defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SIDE
1591
4side
noun
Definition of SIDE
chiefly British : swaggering or arrogant manner : pretentiousness
Origin of SIDE
obsolete English side proud, boastful
First Known Use: 1878
SIDE Defined for Kids
1side
noun \ˈsīd\
Definition of SIDE for Kids
1
: the right or left part of the body from the shoulder to the hip <I have a pain in my right side.>
2
: a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line <The statue was leaning to one side.>
3
: a surface or line forming a border or face of an object <A square has four sides.>
4
: an outer surface or part of something considered as facing in a certain direction <the upper side>
5
: either surface of a thin object <Write on both sides of the paper.>
6
: a place next to something or someone <the side of the road> <I stood at his side.>
7
: an opinion or position viewed as opposite or different from another <Listen to my side of the story.>
8
: a group of people involved in a competition, dispute, or war <Which side won?>
9
: a line of ancestors traced back from either parent <I'm French on my mother's side.>
2side
adjective
Definition of SIDE for Kids
1
: of or located on the side <side pockets> <a side door>
2
: going toward or coming from the side <a side wind>
3
: related to something in a minor or unimportant way <a side remark>
4
: being in addition to a main portion <a side order of French fries>
3side
verb
sid·edsid·ing
Definition of SIDE for Kids
: to agree with or support the opinions or actions of <Darkclaw sided with them while trying to placate the others … — Brian Jaques, Redwall>
Medical Dictionary
side
noun \ˈsīd\
Medical Definition of SIDE
1
: the right or left part of the wall or trunk of the body <a pain in the side>
2
: one of the halves of the animal body on either side of the midsagittal plane
3
: a lateral half or part of an organ or structure <burned on the right side of one leg>
Learn More About SIDE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up side? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).