sidetrack

1 of 2

noun

side·​track ˈsīd-ˌtrak 

1

: siding sense 2

2

: a position or condition of secondary importance to which one may be diverted

sidetrack

2 of 2

verb

sidetracked; sidetracking; sidetracks

transitive verb

1

: to shunt aside (as to a railroad siding)

2

a

: to turn aside from a purpose : deflect

b

: to prevent action on by diversionary tactics

sidetrack an issue

Examples of sidetrack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The rest is just a sidetrack, though neither goal will be easy. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024

The dream sequences, flashbacks and sidetracks don’t always succeed, and Torres’s absurdist humor is hit-or-miss. —Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024

Verb

The investments and projects envisioned for 2025-2029 sidetracked by Stewart-Cousins and Heastie total $68.4 billion. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Dec. 2024

There will be times when you will get sidetracked, and other work obligations may feel more pressing—but don’t lose sight of the mission and passion to start this new ERG. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sidetrack

1 of 2 noun

side·​track ˈsīd-ˌtrak 

: siding sense 1

sidetrack

2 of 2 verb

1

: to transfer from a main railroad line to a siding

2

: to turn aside from a main purpose or use

got sidetracked by all the phone calls