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

Peace in the Ukraine will probably be the result of war fatigue on the part of the two combatants, but to the extent that a treaty allows foreign development of resources, that is likely to be a sideshow irrespective of the desires of various leaders. —Michael Lynch, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Continue reading here Lakers box score NBA scores NBA standings LeBron James and Anthony Davis will reunite at All-Star Game thanks to Shaquille O’Neal Hernández: Trade deadline deals transform Lakers from sideshow to NBA title contenders L.A. native upset Luka Doncic is a Laker. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025

The event felt like a bizarre sideshow to the main inauguration festivities. —Taylor Lorenz, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2025

About 15 sideshows occurred in September alone, an average of about three a week, said Sgt. —Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2024

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)