sideburns: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “sideburns” mean?
Strips of hair growing down the sides of a man's face in front of the ears, especially when styled distinctively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Strips of hair growing down the sides of a man's face in front of the ears, especially when styled distinctively.
Historically, a specific style of facial hair popularized in the 19th century; by extension, can refer to any noticeable hair growth on this part of the face.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is identical. The term 'sideboards' is a less common British synonym.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with specific fashion eras (Victorian, 1970s) or subcultures (rockabilly).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, given greater cultural references in music and film (e.g., Elvis Presley).
Grammar
How to Use “sideburns” in a Sentence
He has + [adjective] + sideburns.He grew + [determiner] + sideburns.He shaved off his sideburns.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sideburns” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's decided to sideburn it this season, inspired by the Victorian look.
- He's been sideburning for months now.
American English
- He's trying to sideburn like a 70s rock star.
- He sideburned for the role in the period film.
adjective
British English
- He has a very sideburned appearance.
- The sideburn style is making a comeback.
American English
- That's a serious sideburn look you've got there.
- He rocked a sideburn vibe at the concert.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless discussing personal grooming policies or historical figures in a presentation.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or fashion studies contexts.
Everyday
Common when discussing personal appearance, hairstyles, or fashion trends.
Technical
Used in barbering, cosmetology, or theatrical makeup.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sideburns”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sideburns”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sideburns”
- Using it as a singular noun ('a sideburn').
- Confusing with 'beard' or 'goatee'.
- Misspelling as 'sideburns' (burn, not born).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun. You say 'his sideburns are long', not 'his sideburns is long'. The singular 'sideburn' is almost never used.
It comes from 'Burnsides', named after the 19th-century American Civil War general Ambrose Burnside, who was known for his distinctive facial hair. The term was later reversed to 'sideburns'.
Sideburns are specifically the hair growing down the sides of the face in front of the ears. A beard typically includes hair on the chin, cheeks, and may connect to the sideburns. Sideburns can exist without a beard.
They are less common as a dominant mainstream fashion trend today but remain a classic style element in certain subcultures (e.g., rockabilly) and are periodically revived in fashion cycles.
Strips of hair growing down the sides of a man's face in front of the ears, especially when styled distinctively.
Sideburns is usually informal in register.
Sideburns: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪd.bɜːnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪd.bɝːnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'side' + 'burns'. Hair on the SIDE of the face that might look like it's BURNing with style.
Conceptual Metaphor
FACIAL HAIR IS AN ADORNMENT / FACIAL HAIR IS A SIGNATURE (of personality or era).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a historical synonym for 'sideburns', derived from an American general's name?