WordGarden.iosideburns
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈaɪdbɜːnz/
US
- /ˈsaɪd.bərnz/pluralplural-normallynoun
Meanings
Noun
strips of hair grown on the sides of a person's face in front of the ears
Beyond the definition
Sideburns are patches of facial hair that grow down the sides of the face, extending from the temples toward the jaw. They get their name from General Ambrose Burnside, a Union general in the American Civil War who made a very specific style of facial hair famous. People originally called his look "burnsides," but over time, the syllables were flipped, and the name "sideburns" stuck.
Sideburns can be short and neat, long and bushy (think Elvis!), or anything in between. Their length and thickness have gone in and out of fashion over the decades, becoming a defining feature for icons like The Beatles and actors like Robert Redford. While often associated with masculinity, they are a versatile grooming choice for anyone looking to frame their face or make a stylistic statement.
Sideburns are strips of facial hair grown on the sides of the face, extending from the hairline down towards the jawline. They are a distinctive style choice that has seen waves of popularity throughout history and across various subcultures. The term "sideburns" itself has a fascinating etymology: it originated in the 1860s with General Ambrose Burnside, a prominent Union general during the American Civil War. He sported voluminous whiskers that connected to his mustache but left his chin clean-shaven. Soldiers began referring to this style as "burnsides," and eventually, the name evolved into the "sideburns" we know today.
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, sideburns have been adopted and adapted by different generations. In the 1950s, Elvis Presley's iconic sideburns became a symbol of rebellion and rock 'n' roll cool. The Beatles also sported noticeable sideburns during their early years, contributing to the style's widespread appeal. In the '70s, they became even more flamboyant, often grown quite wide and paired with the longer, shaggier hairstyles of the era.
Today, sideburns can range from thin and trimmed to thick and bushy—or even styled into elaborate shapes like "mutton chops," which flare out toward the cheeks. They remain a personal form of expression that allows individuals to experiment with their appearance. Whether seen as a classic touch of masculinity, a retro throwback, or a simple way to contour the face, sideburns remain a recognizable and enduring facial feature.
Examples
- 1
Old photos
He had thick sideburns in his old wedding photos.
- 2
Barber
The barber trimmed his sideburns to match his haircut.
- 3
Period role
The actor grew long sideburns for the role of a 1970s rock star.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sideburnsnoun