sideshow

[sahyd-shoh]

noun

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

2. any subordinate event or matter.

sideshow

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sideshow¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

In seeking to explain his plunge into the fifth round, some pointed to concerns about Shedeur’s personality and the sideshow of being the son of “Coach Prime.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Modern accounting and investor trust have reduced dividends to a sideshow, but they used to be the whole point.

Read more on Barron's

Excitement over future AI business has largely reduced Cipher’s existing operations to a sideshow.

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Graham and Van der Merwe's continuing battle to end their respective careers as Scotland's all-time top try scorer is another entertaining sideshow.

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The magician Ricky Jay’s compendium of actual “unique, eccentric and amazing entertainers” offers a parade of con artists, charlatans, escapologists, daredevils, mesmerists, contortionists and sideshow acts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal