sideshow

noun
UK: /ˈsaɪdˌʃəʊ/
US: /ˈsaɪdˌʃoʊ/

  1. A small show or act that is offered in addition to the main performance, often at a circus or fair.

    1. The magician had a small sideshow near the main tent. [ ] [ ]
    2. The fair's main attraction was the concert, but the sideshow with the animals was fun too. [ ] [ ]

  2. An event or activity that is less important than the main one, but which attracts attention.

    1. The debate became a sideshow, distracting from the real issues. [ ] [ ]
    2. The celebrity gossip became a sideshow during the political campaign, overshadowing important policy discussions. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

attraction entertainment distraction diversion
sideshow transitive-verb

  1. To present something as a less important or secondary event.

    1. They tried to sideshow the real problem. [ ] [ ]
    2. The media attempted to sideshow the candidate's tax policies by focusing on a minor gaffe. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "sideshow" in English means: A small show or act that is offered in addition to the main performance, often at a circus or fair., An event or activity that is less important than the main one, but which attracts attention..

The phonetic transcription of "sideshow" is /ˈsaɪdˌʃəʊ/ in British English and /ˈsaɪdˌʃoʊ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "sideshow": attraction, entertainment, distraction, diversion.

Example usage of "sideshow": "The magician had a small sideshow near the main tent.". More examples on the page.