sideshow

noun

side·​show ˈsīd-ˌshō 

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

There followed a surreal half-time chat between Chapman and Poyet about his dismissal, with the game relegated to a sideshow, as fellow pundit Efan Ekoku shifted awkwardly in his seat. —Tom Burrows, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

After the spotlight faded, he was sold to a sideshow and lived in poor conditions until an Ohio businessman helped raise the funds to rescue him. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Despite the talent of Phoenix and Melina, the match was relegated to a mere sideshow, overshadowed by celebrity appearances and comedic segments. —Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025

Perhaps the notion of incorporating Canada into the U.S. will remain a sideshow. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sideshow

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

sideshow

noun

side·​show -ˌshō 

: a small show off to the side offered in addition to a main show (as of a circus)