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

But the Hand’s abduction is a sideshow, not unlike the massacre of the Gold Cloaks. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026

For the past 15 years, Wakefield has worked as a professional sideshow artist, performing stunts like lying on a bed of nails, juggling and eating fire. — Janelle D. James, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Last week’s City Council 9-hour hearing on a Central Park horse carriage ban was either a sideshow or a show trial. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026

The trial became a sideshow of stories of double crosses, disagreements, and shady meetings. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026

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)