English Reference
Noun

broadside

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈbɹɔdˌsaɪd/ UK /bɹˈɔːdsaɪd/ broad·side UK spelling broadsided, broadsides, broadsiding Nautical

n.a powerful attack or a strong criticism that is directed at someone or something. It can also mean a large sheet of paper printed on one side only.

n.a powerful, concentrated attack or a sharp, comprehensive criticism. In a nautical or historical context, it refers to a large sheet of paper printed on one side only.


SIMPLE

The newspaper published a broadside against the new tax law.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician faced a broadside from the opposition after the scandal broke in the morning papers.

COMPLEX

The critic's broadside was so scathing that it effectively ended the artist's career, though it was later dismissed as a personal vendetta.

On Howlin’ Wind, he spat out the lyrics of Lady Doctor as if they were a ferocious broadside against the establishment, rather than about fancying a female GP.

The Guardian· 2 Sept 2026

Moments later, he struck a cow broadside, sending the animal flying into the air.

Smithsonian Magazine· 1 Sept 2026

From broad + side.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated