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 rest is just a sidetrack, though neither goal will be easy. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024

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

Verb

This is a surefire strategy that keeps you from getting sidetracked. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

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