sideshow

American  

[sahyd-shoh] / ˈsaɪdˌʃoʊ /

noun

1. a minor show or exhibition in connection with a principal one, as at a circus.

2. any subordinate event or matter.

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sideshow British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌʃəʊ /

noun

1. a small show or entertainment offered in conjunction with a larger attraction, as at a circus or fair

2. a subordinate event or incident

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Etymology

Origin of sideshow

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Explanation

The tattooed lady, sword swallower, and frog man are some of the people you might meet at a sideshow, a smaller show that's part of a carnival or circus. A sideshow is also something that distracts from a main event. The first sideshows happened at the Barnum & Bailey Circus, from the idea that some performers would be better viewed up close, instead of in a large tent. The popularity of sideshows grew through the first half of the 20th century. Attractions ranged from so-called "freaks" like the contortionists to tricks like sword swallowing and fire breathing. Today sideshow is often used for something that takes attention away from what's really important.

Example Sentences

But all anyone inside the arena seemed to be talking about was the sideshow between a pair of legendary coaches—and a potential changing of the guard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Some analysts say the vote is a sideshow.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

But on Friday in Miami, that sideshow collides with boxing's top tier as Paul faces two-time heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

After that, his unclaimed body began its wanderings: as a greeter for an Oklahoma funeral home, as a sideshow attraction for touring carnivals, and even in a titillating 1933 pre-Code film, “Narcotic.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 4, 2025

We walked out of the sideshow the way we’d come, dejected, past the now-empty stages, past the plain-looking boy, out of the tent and into the daylight.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs