noun / verb
sideline
SYDE-lyne/ˈsaɪdlaɪn/
A line marking the lateral limit of a playing area.
The ball has crossed the sideline.
Etymology
A line can mean a course of business or occupation, while side marks something apart from the main course. A sideline is thus a secondary pursuit alongside one's regular work.
In context
generated enough electricity to power the whole ebr1 facility although great this was it was also a bit of a sideline to the reactor's main goal which was breeding
More examples
- The receiver catches the pass just inside the sideline.
- Fresh white paint makes both sidelines easy to see.
- The referee stands near the sideline to watch the play.
Forms
sideline · sidelines
Similar words
- boundary
- Can mark any outer limit, not just a playing area's sides.
- edge
- Refers to an outer limit without requiring a marked line.