Sidearm: meaning, definitions and examples

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sidearm

 

[ ˈsaɪdˌɑːrm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

baseball

A type of pitch thrown by a pitcher in baseball where the ball is released from the side of the body rather than over the top. It is often used as an off-speed pitch to deceive the batter.

Synonyms

low arm slot pitch, submarine pitch

Examples of usage

  • His sidearm delivery caught the batter off guard.
  • The pitcher's sidearm motion makes it difficult for batters to anticipate the location of the pitch.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A firearm that is carried at the side or hip of a person, typically used as a secondary weapon.

Synonyms

secondary weapon, side piece

Examples of usage

  • The soldier reached for his sidearm as he entered the building.
  • Police officers are trained to draw their sidearms in emergency situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "sidearm" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arma de mão

🇮🇳 साइडआर्म

🇩🇪 Seitenwaffe

🇮🇩 senjata samping

🇺🇦 додаткова зброя

🇵🇱 broń boczna

🇯🇵 サイドアーム

🇫🇷 arme de poing

🇪🇸 arma secundaria

🇹🇷 yan silah

🇰🇷 사이드암

🇸🇦 سلاح جانبي

🇨🇿 boční zbraň

🇸🇰 bočná zbraň

🇨🇳 侧臂

🇸🇮 stransko orožje

🇮🇸 hliðarávopn

🇰🇿 жанама қару

🇬🇪 გვერდითი იარაღი

🇦🇿 yan silah

🇲🇽 arma secundaria

Word origin

The term 'sidearm' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'side' and 'arm' to refer to something carried on the side of the body. In baseball, the sidearm pitch became popular as a way to add variation and surprise to a pitcher's repertoire. In military contexts, the sidearm has been a common term for a secondary weapon, usually a handgun carried by soldiers or law enforcement officers.

See also: aside, beside, downside, inside, outsider, side, sidebar, sidekick, sideline, sidelong, sides, sidewalk, sideward, sideways, siding, subside.