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

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

While people often think of street races as the quarter-mile one-on-one speed contests highlighted by the early installments in the “Fast & The Furious” film franchise, so-called “sideshows” or “takeovers” can often prove dangerous too.

From Los Angeles Times

On X, where he has 4.7 million followers, he has channeled his pop-culture savvy and political outrage into a satirical sideshow, firing off punchlines like proton torpedoes.

From Los Angeles Times

Amorim knows, stripped away from the sideshow, he must deliver results.

From BBC

The game itself was a sideshow - both teams will meet in the Championship next season having already been relegated.

From BBC