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

Marshall, like all the rest of them, was eventually let go for not knowing anything, but not before more time was wasted by detectives, who were obliged to interview most of these sideshows. —Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026

There’s a chance Verlander starts could become too much of a sideshow. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

Separately, a California Highway Patrol air unit supporting the sideshow enforcement identified a vehicle involved in the stunt driving parked near the 7000 block of California Street, police said. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026

Some sideshows go on for hours, while others clear out in minutes to avoid law enforcement. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 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)