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

Some of the sideshows, as they are also called, have been deadly and destructive.

From Los Angeles Times

Before Donald Trump was considered nothing more than a circus sideshow, some of us noted during the 2015 GOP presidential primaries that his rhetoric and agenda bore all the hallmarks of the "f" word: fascism.

From Salon

He said the event was "not going to be just music" and could include sideshows like a live karate combat pit.

From BBC

The illegal sideshows have been deadly, as The Times has previously reported.

From Los Angeles Times

While this story is a silly sideshow, it has serious implications.

From Salon