Definitions

1. noun

a secondary attraction or performance accompanying a main show, especially at a circus or carnival.

“The circus’s death-defying acrobats were the main event, but the sideshows featuring fire-eaters and fortune tellers were equally captivating.”

2. noun

a minor or unimportant event or feature, especially one accompanying a more important one.

“The company’s new product launch was the main event, but the sideshow of the CEO’s speech about the company’s future plans stole the spotlight.”

3. verb

to attract or divert attention to something, especially in a way that is secondary or unimportant.

“The politician’s scandalous affair was a sideshow to the real issue of her ineffective leadership.”