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

That effort was sidetracked and ultimately ended by the loss to Clemson, when McCullough fired Norvell. — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

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

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