sideshow

noun

side·​show ˈsīd-ˌshō How to pronounce sideshow (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And Pettitte’s Octobers weren’t just some little sideshow. Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 This sideshow won't change the ultimate outcome and true justice will be served soon. Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 This sideshow won’t change the ultimate outcome and true justice will be served soon. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024 But that debate is largely a sideshow, distracting from a more fundamental need: to implement a transformative idea to improve learning outcomes. Jens Ludwig and Randall Stephenson, Twin Cities, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sideshow 

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sideshow was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near sideshow

Cite this Entry

“Sideshow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideshow. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

sideshow

noun
side·​show -ˌshō How to pronounce sideshow (audio)
: a small show off to the side offered in addition to a main show (as of a circus)

More from Merriam-Webster on sideshow

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