1
: a minor show offered in addition to a main exhibition (as of a circus)
2
: an incidental diversion or spectacle
Examples of sideshow in a Sentence
Their disagreement is just a political sideshow when compared to the real issues at hand.
Recent Examples on the Web
Notoriously, someone once found a corpse there — as a sideshow exhibit, not a murder victim.
—
Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
Once a sideshow oddity, weightlifting has seen a surge in popularity since the late 1980s, with strength training now more popular than cardio, according to some reports.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
Three sideshows grew violent and shut down intersections in parts of the city, Fox KTVU reported.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2025
But no amount of sideshows can change the fact that the reputation of a tournament FIFA rather forced upon the sport depends on the standard of the football, plain and simple.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sideshow
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Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
Once a sideshow oddity, weightlifting has seen a surge in popularity since the late 1980s, with strength training now more popular than cardio, according to some reports.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
Three sideshows grew violent and shut down intersections in parts of the city, Fox KTVU reported.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2025
But no amount of sideshows can change the fact that the reputation of a tournament FIFA rather forced upon the sport depends on the standard of the football, plain and simple.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sideshow
Cite this Entry
“Sideshow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideshow. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sideshow
noun
side·show
-ˌshō 
: a small show off to the side offered in addition to a main show (as of a circus)
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