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

However, Caldwell’s investigation is sidetracked when a journalist seeks her assistance in exposing the scandals of those she’s gotten close to. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2025

For Macdonald, the hiring was the culmination of a years-long journey that was nearly sidetracked multiple times. —Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 6 Aug. 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