SIDELINE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does sideline mean? 

• SIDELINE (noun)
  The noun SIDELINE has 3 senses:

1. a line that marks the side boundary of a playing field

2. an auxiliary line of merchandise

3. an auxiliary activity

  Familiarity information: SIDELINE used as a noun is uncommon.

• SIDELINE (verb)
  The verb SIDELINE has 1 sense:

1. remove from the center of activity or attention; place into an inferior position

  Familiarity information: SIDELINE used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SIDELINE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A line that marks the side boundary of a playing field

Classified under:

Nouns denoting spatial position

Synonyms:

out of bounds; sideline

Hypernyms ("sideline" is a kind of...):

line (in games or sports; a mark indicating positions or bounds of the playing area)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "sideline"):

touchline (either of the sidelines in soccer or rugby)

Sense 2

Meaning:

An auxiliary line of merchandise

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("sideline" is a kind of...):

business line; line; line of business; line of merchandise; line of products; product line (a particular kind of product or merchandise)

Sense 3

Meaning:

An auxiliary activity

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

avocation; by-line; hobby; pursuit; sideline; spare-time activity

Hypernyms ("sideline" is a kind of...):

interest; pastime; pursuit (a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly))

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "sideline"):

spelaeology; speleology (the pastime of exploring caves)

• SIDELINE (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they sideline    ... he / she / it sidelines   
Past simple: sidelined   
Past participle: sidelined   
-ing form: sidelining   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Remove from the center of activity or attention; place into an inferior position

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Context example:

The outspoken cabinet member was sidelined by the President

Hypernyms (to "sideline" is one way to...):

break; bump; demote; kick downstairs; relegate (assign to a lower position; reduce in rank)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody

 Context examples 

I thought you didn't, if you'll pardon my—you see, I carry on a little business on the side, a sort of sideline, you understand. And I thought that if you don't make very much—You're selling bonds, aren't you, old sport?

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)