sideman

sideman [sahyd-man, -muh n] ExamplesWord Origin noun, plural side·men [sahyd-men, -muh n] /ˈsaɪdˌmɛn, -mən/.

1. an instrumentalist in a band or orchestra.
2. an instrumentalist supporting a soloist or a principal performer.

Origin of sideman First recorded in 1560–70; side1 + man1 Examples from the Web for sideman Contemporary Examples of sideman

And, the life of a sideman had become all the more difficult in recent years.

A Sax Player, Then a Suspect After Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Final Act

Michael Daly

February 7, 2014

After 19 years, when will he be promoted from sideman to full member of the Rolling Stones?

Stones’ Keyboard Man Is Ardent Forester

David A. Graham

June 16, 2011

British Dictionary definitions for sideman sideman noun plural -men

1. a member of a dance band or a jazz group other than the leader

Word Origin and History for sideman n.

“supporting musician,” 1936, from side (adj.) + man (n.). Earlier it meant “assistant to a church warden” (1560s).