# sideshow

/ˈsaɪdˌʃoʊ/ (US) · /sˈaɪdʃəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sideshow
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a secondary event or activity that happens at the same time as a main event. It is often used to describe something that is less important than the main attraction.

For teachers: a secondary event or activity occurring simultaneously with a primary event. Often used metaphorically to describe a minor issue that distracts from a more significant problem.

## Examples

- The protest turned into a sideshow for the media.
- While the main debate focused on the economy, the candidates spent most of their time discussing the sideshow of their personal lives.
- The legal team argued that the scandal was merely a sideshow, designed to divert public attention from the more pressing issues of corporate negligence and environmental harm.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.