sideshow

American  

[sahyd-shoh] / ˈsaɪdˌʃoʊ /

noun

sideshows plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• sideshows
  plural

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

Some analysts say the vote is a sideshow.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

Surrealism continues to fuel artists’ and viewers’ imaginations, but it has increasingly become art’s carnival sideshow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

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

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.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

A moneymaking sideshow for insecure couples who didn’t have true love.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King