1
: a minor show offered in addition to a main exhibition (as of a circus)
2
: an incidental diversion or spectacle
Examples of sideshow in a Sentence
Their disagreement is just a political sideshow when compared to the real issues at hand.
Recent Examples on the Web
But on a political level, Harris' ascendance has turned the Biden scrutiny into a sideshow that isn't likely to affect the campaign.
—
Zachary Basu, Axios, 5 Sep. 2024
The music is loud, the sideshows are unnecessary and the uniforms are awful.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2024
That makes Stormy Daniels, however riveting her testimony, a sideshow at the trial.
—Robin Abcarian, The Mercury News, 17 May 2024
The governor pointed out that unlike in other cities, Oakland police cannot pursue people suspected of committing many felonies or any misdemeanor, such as reckless driving, sideshow activity, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
—Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for sideshow 
Zachary Basu, Axios, 5 Sep. 2024
The music is loud, the sideshows are unnecessary and the uniforms are awful.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2024
That makes Stormy Daniels, however riveting her testimony, a sideshow at the trial.
—Robin Abcarian, The Mercury News, 17 May 2024
The governor pointed out that unlike in other cities, Oakland police cannot pursue people suspected of committing many felonies or any misdemeanor, such as reckless driving, sideshow activity, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
—Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for sideshow
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sideshow.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near sideshow
Cite this Entry
“Sideshow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideshow. Accessed 28 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sideshow
noun
side·show
-ˌshō 
: a small show off to the side offered in addition to a main show (as of a circus)
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