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.
Hakim, a genre chameleon who has performed as a sideman for Adrianne Lenker, made a record with the jazz saxophonist Roy Nathanson, and been sampled by T-Pain, has also claimed minimalist icons Steve Reich and Terry Riley as influences. — Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 The vocalist’s wide-ranging gifts and moods benefit from the versatile skill set of the sometime-sideman for Erykah Badu and Madlib. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026 The Hawks’ veteran guard CJ McCollum, always excellent but usually a sideman to a brighter star, dribbled and sidestepped through and around the Knicks defense, suddenly looking like one of the best offensive players in the league. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 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 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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