What does lateral mean?
Lateral means connected with a side, sideways movement, or a direction away from the main or most obvious one. It describes physical actions, as in lateral movement across a surface, and also more abstract approaches, as in lateral thinking, where a problem is considered from an unexpected angle. In American football, a lateral is a pass directed sideways or backward to a teammate rather than forward down the field. The word is useful because it captures both a literal spatial idea and the broader concept of moving away from a straight or conventional path. It is more specific than simply “sideways” when describing an indirect, unconventional, or peripheral approach, while remaining clear and natural in technical and formal contexts.
Relating to, situated on, or directed toward the side of something; moving sideways or indirectly.
"The report proposed a lateral solution to the traffic problem."
“Lateral thinking” is an established expression for an indirect or unconventional approach to a problem.
A sideward movement or pass, especially one made sideways or backward in American football.
"The quarterback threw a lateral to the running back near the sideline."
This noun use is especially associated with American football and is less common outside sporting contexts.
Lateral thinking is what turns a problem into a new angle: the best solution may come from moving sideways instead of pushing straight ahead.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lateral come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Latin lateralis, meaning “of or relating to a side.” Latin lateralis was derived from latus, an adjective meaning “side” or “broad.” The same Latin root is reflected in English words such as latitude, later, and latest, which developed through related Latin forms based on the idea of side, breadth, or extension.
How lateral is actually used
In general use, “lateral” is formal but widely understood. In sports, it often describes movement or passing across the field; in discussion of problem-solving, “lateral thinking” means approaching a question creatively rather than following the most obvious line of reasoning.
Easily confused with lateral
“Lateral” means relating to a side or sideways direction, whereas “latter” means the second or more recent of two things.