noun · verb · 10 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
General-American:/ˈsaɪdˌtɹæk/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:S AY1 D T R AE2 K
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
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.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: rail-transport, railways, transport
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
Any auxiliary railroad track, as differentiated from a siding, that runs adjacent to the main track.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: sometimes
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
A smaller tunnel or well drilled as an auxiliary off a main tunnel or well.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: business, mining
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
An alternate train of thought, issue, topic, or activity, that is a deviation or distraction from the topic at hand or central activity, and secondary or subordinate in importance or effectiveness.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Stay focused on the story; you keep getting lost in all of these little sidetracks.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
verb
Meaning 5
To divert (a locomotive or train) on to a lesser used track in order to allow other trains to pass.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: rail-transport, railways, transport
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
verb
Meaning 6
To divert or distract (someone) from a main issue or course of action with an alternate or less relevant topic or activity; or, to use deliberate trickery or sly wordplay when talking to (a person) in order to avoid discussion of a subject.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Sorry I'm late. I got sidetracked helping my friend move some furniture.
The politician sidetracked the reporter with a story about duck hunting instead of a direct response to the question that was asked.
I hope you can sidetrack the teacher with questions so we don't have to take the exam.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
verb
Meaning 7
To sideline; to push aside; to divert or distract from, reducing (something) to a secondary or subordinate position.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
The project was sidetracked in favor of a more popular program.
He has sidetracked this debate for far too long.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
8
verb
Meaning 8
To deviate briefly from the topic at hand.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Examples
Just to sidetrack a little bit from the subject I will explain my reasoning.
To sidetrack for a moment, let me commend this team for their outstanding efforts.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
9
noun
Meaning 9
a short stretch of railroad track used to store rolling stock or enable trains on the same line to pass
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: siding, railroad siding, turnout
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: railroad track, railroad, railway
10
verb
Meaning 10
wander from a direct or straight course
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: depart, digress, straggle
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: deviate, divert
History
Etymology
From side + track.
Across languages
Translations
9 source translations are retained for this English entry.
Māori:
whakakotiti
— to divert or distract
Māori:
wawao
— to divert or distract
Russian:
отвлекаться
(otvlekatʹsja)
— to divert or distract
Serbo-Croatian:
odvlačiti
— to divert or distract
Serbo-Croatian:
skretati s puta
— to divert or distract
Serbo-Croatian:
voditi na stranputicu
— to divert or distract
Serbo-Croatian:
skrenuti s puta
— to divert or distract
