noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sidetrack" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sidetrack" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sidetrack" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Check whether "sidetrack" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
Compare it with "siding" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Before publishing a sentence with "sidetrack", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
"Stay focused on the story; you keep getting lost in all of these little sidetracks."
"It was just after 5 p.m.; would the non-stop "Capitals Limited" come up next? It was due in at 5.30 and other trains are often side-tracked in its favour."
"Sorry I'm late. I got sidetracked helping my friend move some furniture."
"The project was sidetracked in favor of a more popular program."
"Just to sidetrack a little bit from the subject I will explain my reasoning."
"He tried to sidetrack the discussion."
A second, relatively short length of track just to the side of a railroad track, joined to the main track by switches at one or both ends, used either for unloading freight, or to allow two trains on a same track to meet (opposite directions) or pass (same direction); a railroad siding.
Common synonyms include: siding, railroad siding, avert, bear off, branch, bypath.
He tried to sidetrack the discussion.
Pronounced /ˈsaɪdˌtɹæk/.
From side + track.