Definition

1. Noun:
   • A short, supplementary news article: A "sidebar" is a brief, separate article that provides additional context, background, or a related angle to a main news story.
   • A private legal discussion: In a courtroom, a "sidebar" is a private conversation held between the judge and the attorneys, away from the jury and the public record, to discuss procedural or evidentiary issues.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Journalism):
  • The main article covered the election results, while a sidebar profiled the winning candidate.
  • The feature included a helpful sidebar explaining the key terms used in the report.
• Noun (Law):
  • The defense attorney requested a sidebar to argue about the admissibility of the evidence.
  • After a brief sidebar with the lawyers, the judge sustained the objection.

Advanced Usage

• "To be called to sidebar": This phrase is used when a judge summons the attorneys for a private conference.
  • Counsel, please approach the bench for a sidebar.

Variants and Related Words

• Sidebar (Digital/Web Design): In website and software design, a "sidebar" is a vertical column on the side of a webpage or application window, often containing navigation links, advertisements, or supplementary information. This is a distinct, modern meaning derived from the journalistic sense.
  • You can find the archive links in the blog's sidebar.

Synonyms

• Supplement (for journalism): An addition that completes or enhances something.
• Bench conference (for law): Another term for a private discussion between a judge and attorneys at the judge's bench.

Related Phrases

• "At sidebar": Describes the state of the private legal discussion.
  • The issue was resolved at sidebar.

Noun

1. a short news story presenting sidelights on a major story
2. (law) a courtroom conference between the lawyers and the judge that is held out of the jury's hearing