sidetrack

1 of 2

noun

side·​track ˈsīd-ˌtrak 

1

: siding sense 2

2

: a position or condition of secondary importance to which one may be diverted

sidetrack

2 of 2

verb

sidetracked; sidetracking; sidetracks

transitive verb

1

: to shunt aside (as to a railroad siding)

2

a

: to turn aside from a purpose : deflect

b

: to prevent action on by diversionary tactics

sidetrack an issue

Examples of sidetrack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The dream sequences, flashbacks and sidetracks don’t always succeed, and Torres’s absurdist humor is hit-or-miss. —Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024

Even so, the path to his current status as a senior starting defensive tackle at FIU has had its share of sorrow, sidetracks and setbacks. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

Verb

Similarly, generative AI has the power to sidetrack us but can also supercharge productivity when used intentionally. —Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Despite Tottenham’s move being sidetracked by Torres’ deflection, Konsa moves towards Sarr before trying to return to his initial position, which slightly distances him from Maddison. —Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sidetrack

1 of 2 noun

side·​track ˈsīd-ˌtrak 

: siding sense 1

sidetrack

2 of 2 verb

1

: to transfer from a main railroad line to a siding

2

: to turn aside from a main purpose or use

got sidetracked by all the phone calls