Sidearm: meaning, definitions and examples
⚾️
sidearm
[ ˈsaɪdˌɑːrm ]
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.
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.