side street

noun

1. a street leading away from a main street; an unimportant street or one carrying but little traffic.

side street

noun

1. a minor or unimportant street, esp one leading off a main thoroughfare

Word History and Origins

Origin of side street¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Idioms and Phrases

A minor thoroughfare that carries little traffic, as in Our favorite hotel is on a quiet little side street. The side in this idiom means “off to one side, away from the main street.” [c. 1600] Also see back street.

Example Sentences

"It was coming down the side street off the side of the pub like a river. It was bringing bins, bricks and debris down the street."

From BBC

The moment Longoria drives away, agents on both sides of the truck remain in sight of the video, and they then pile into their vehicles and pursue Longoria’s truck down a side street.

From Los Angeles Times

He walked down a side street, pointing out the singed remains of houses that he said were torched by Bedouins and government-linked fighters.

From Los Angeles Times

Officers were assisting with traffic control and had closed Tyler Street between Arlington and Jurupa avenues including all surrounding side streets.

From Los Angeles Times

She joined other immigrant vendors lining the side streets under tents and over grills in a makeshift community that was something of a refuge for Latino immigrants in the Hollywood area.

From Los Angeles Times