# sidebar

/ˈsaɪdˌbɑɹ/ (US) · /sˈaɪdbɑː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sidebar
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a short section of text next to a main article that gives extra information. In a conversation, it is also a quick talk about a different topic than the main one.

For teachers: a short piece of text placed alongside a main article, providing additional or explanatory information. In legal or professional contexts, refers to a brief, private discussion held away from the main proceedings.

## Examples

- The sidebar in the magazine explains the history of the building.
- The website includes a sidebar with links to related stories and recent comments from readers.
- While the main report focuses on the economic data, a helpful sidebar provides biographical sketches of the key researchers involved in the study to give the reader more context.

## Usage notes

- In legal contexts, often used as a compound noun or a prepositional phrase ('at sidebar').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.