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

As your ruling planet, Mercury, stations direct in your 3rd house, feelings of deja vu abound, or maybe just coming full circle after getting sidetracked on the scenic route. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

Scudder can’t control whether the big state campaigns, including Talarico’s, will get sidetracked or entirely derailed. — Jesús Rodríguez, New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sidetrack

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• paperback
• piggyback
• quarterback
• saddleback

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