noun

sidearm

SYD-ahrm

Sidearm (noun) means a personal weapon, such as a handgun or sword, carried at the hip. Example: “The officer kept his sidearm holstered at all times on duty.”

noun

A personal weapon, such as a handgun or sword, carried at the hip.

"The officer kept his sidearm holstered at all times on duty."

adv

Describing a throw made with the arm swung roughly parallel to the ground rather than overhand.

"He can throw sidearm to get extra movement on the ball."

How to use sidearm

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hip-carried personal weapon, or a low, sideways throwing motion.

Common pairings

carry a sidearm throw sidearm

Word forms

more sidearm comparative, sidearmed past tense, sidearms plural, sidearms singular, most sidearm superlative

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The officer kept his _____ holstered at all times on duty.

Etymology

A compound of "side" and "arm".

Rhymes for sidearm

firearm forearm

See all rhymes for sidearm →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sidearm” mean?

The word “sidearm” means a personal weapon, such as a handgun or sword, carried at the hip. In plain terms, a hip-carried personal weapon, or a low, sideways throwing motion.

How do you pronounce “sidearm”?

“Sidearm” is pronounced SYD-ahrm (/ˈsaɪdˌɑɹm/ in IPA).

How do you use “sidearm” in a sentence?

Here is “sidearm” used in a sentence: “The officer kept his sidearm holstered at all times on duty.”

What part of speech is “sidearm”?

Depending on how it is used, “sidearm” can be a noun and an adverb.

How many meanings does “sidearm” have?

“Sidearm” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a personal weapon, such as a handgun or sword, carried at the hip.