sideman

noun

side·​man ˈsīd-ˌman How to pronounce sideman (audio)
: a member of a band or orchestra and especially of a jazz or swing orchestra

Examples of sideman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With Alex Chilton as his sideman, the provocative Tav Falco brought blues and rockabilly screaming into the post-punk era. — Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 8 Feb. 2026 Still, a budding jazz guitarist (Torn was mentored by pioneering trumpeter Don Cherry) joining forces with a rock icon’s sidemen for his recording debut shows a strong independent streak and no small amount of ambition. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 1 June 2026 And these accomplished sidemen — with all except Lavezzoli sharing vocal duties — step up to deliver versions of Pink Floyd classics that would please even the most critical of Floyd fanatics. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025 Whether performing as a sideman with Wednesday and Waxahatchee, or leading his own band, Lenderman strikes a winning balance between brooding observations and endearing goofiness. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sideman

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sideman was in 1919

Rhymes for sideman

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Browse Nearby Words

side-look
sideman
side meat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sideman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideman. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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