How to pronounce sidetrack
Say it like SYDE-trak. Sidetrack has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SYDE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sidetrack. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SYDE
- trak
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sidetrack pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SYDESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- trakGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of sidetrack
American and British speakers say sidetrack in essentially the same way: /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/ in the US and /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/ in the UK.
British respelling: SYDE-trak.
What does sidetrack mean?
- 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.
- Any auxiliary railroad track, as differentiated from a siding, that runs adjacent to the main track.
- A smaller tunnel or well drilled as an auxiliary off a main tunnel or well.
- To divert (a locomotive or train) on to a lesser used track in order to allow other trains to pass.
- 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.“Sorry I'm late. I got sidetracked helping my friend move some furniture.”
- To sideline; to push aside; to divert or distract from, reducing (something) to a secondary or subordinate position.“The project was sidetracked in favor of a more popular program.”
Where does sidetrack come from?
From side + track.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying sidetrack
How do you pronounce sidetrack?
Say SYDE-trak. The American pronunciation is /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/. In British English it is /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sidetrack?
Sidetrack has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SYDE). Broken into parts: SYDE · trak.
Do Americans and Brits say sidetrack the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/ and the British form is /ˈsaɪdˌtræk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.