Sidearm: meaning, definitions and examples

⚾️

Add to dictionary

sidearm

[ ˈsaɪdˌɑːrm ]

^{Context #1}

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}

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.