What does "lateral" mean?
An object, such as a passage or a protrusion, that is situated on the side of something else.
Lateral
/ˈlæt.ə.ɹəl/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An object, such as a passage or a protrusion, that is situated on the side of something else.
- Grammar: lateral is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: abaxial, abducted, accented, allophone.
- Useful contrasts: longitudinal, vertical, direct thrust.
- Usage evidence: His job title change was considered a lateral move, possibly a demotion, and certainly not a promotion.
How to use "lateral"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "lateral" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "lateral" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "lateral" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "lateral" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "lateral" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abaxial" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "lateral", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An object, such as a passage or a protrusion, that is situated on the side of something else.
- 2 a pass to a receiver upfield from the passer wordnet
- 3 A sound produced through lateral pronunciation (such as /l/ in lateral).
- 4 A lateral pass.
- 5 An employee hired for a position at the same organizational level or salary as their previous position.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A lateral canal, a canal built alongside an existing stream.
"[…] Canal and laterals, section 4, and the first part of section 5; and Miller Canal and laterals."
Verb
- 1 To move (oneself or something) in a lateral direction.
- 2 To execute a lateral pass.
Adjective
- 1 To the side; of or pertaining to the side.; Situated on one side or other of the body or of an organ, especially in the region furthest from the median plane.
"The medial side of the knee faces the other knee, while the outer side of the knee is lateral."
- 2 To the side; of or pertaining to the side.; Affecting the side or sides of the body, or confined to one side of the body.
"The “Euphoria” and “Grey’s Anatomy” actor announced on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease."
- 3 To the side; of or pertaining to the side.; Acting or placed at right angles to a line of motion or strain.
- 4 To the side; of or pertaining to the side.; At the same level in hierarchy or rank, especially pertaining to a movement that does not involve a change in rank, status, or level.
"Instead of a promotion, I opted for a lateral move to a similar position in the marketing department."
- 5 Non-linear or unconventional, as in, lateral thinking. UK
Show 1 more definition
- 6 (of a consonant, especially the English clear l) Pertaining to speech sounds generated by partially blocking the egress of the airstream with the tongue, leaving space on one or both sides of the occlusion for air passage.
Adjective
- 1 lying away from the median and sagittal plane of a body wordnet
- 2 situated at or extending to the side wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"His job title change was considered a lateral move, possibly a demotion, and certainly not a promotion."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "lateral"?
Common synonyms include: abaxial, abducted, accented, allophone, alveolar, apical.
How do you use "lateral" in a sentence?
His job title change was considered a lateral move, possibly a demotion, and certainly not a promotion.
How do you pronounce "lateral"?
Pronounced /ˈlæt.ə.ɹəl/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin laterālis (“belonging to the side”), from latus (“the side or flank”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix).