sidehead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very low frequencyTechnical, formal, chiefly literary
Quick answer
What does “sidehead” mean?
A heading or title placed in the left-hand margin of a page rather than above the text.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heading or title placed in the left-hand margin of a page rather than above the text.
A subordinate heading in a document that is set flush to the left margin, often used in legal documents, technical writing, or reference works. It can also refer to the position or act of striking someone on the side of the head.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The typographical term is used in both varieties; the physical strike meaning is equally rare.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in publishing. The physical meaning can imply a dismissive or casual blow.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. More likely to be encountered in specialist publishing or historical/literary texts for the strike meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “sidehead” in a Sentence
[Document] + features + [a/sidehead(s)][To] + sidehead + [someone] (archaic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sidehead” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ruffian threatened to sidehead him if he didn't hand over his wallet.
- He was sideheaded in the scuffle.
American English
- In the old tale, the giant would sidehead anyone who entered his valley.
adverb
British English
- The title was set sidehead for emphasis.
- The text runs sidehead to the main column.
American English
- Place the figure captions sidehead in this journal.
adjective
British English
- The sidehead style is specified in the corporate template.
- Use a sidehead format for all second-level clauses.
American English
- The sidehead layout improves scannability in the appendix.
- Follow the sidehead convention for this type of contract.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Occasionally seen in formal report formatting guidelines.
Academic
Used in style guides for theses or legal/technical publishing.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary domain: typography, graphic design, legal document formatting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sidehead”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sidehead”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sidehead”
- Using it to mean 'sidebar'.
- Confusing it with 'subheading' without the positional specificity.
- Assuming it is a common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term primarily used in typography and document design.
Historically and very rarely, yes, meaning 'to hit on the side of the head'. This usage is now archaic.
A 'subheading' describes a heading's rank or level, while a 'sidehead' specifically describes its physical position in the margin.
Only if they are working in publishing, graphic design, or legal documentation. For general English, it is a word to recognise passively at most.
A heading or title placed in the left-hand margin of a page rather than above the text.
Sidehead is usually technical, formal, chiefly literary in register.
Sidehead: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪd.hɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪd.hɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HEADing that has stepped to the SIDE of the main text.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANISATION IS PHYSICAL PLACEMENT (a heading is placed to the side).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sidehead' most appropriately used?