sound effects

plural noun

: effects that are imitative of sounds called for in the script of a dramatic production (such as a radio show) and that enhance the production's illusion of reality

Examples of sound effects in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite the high tech projections and precise lighting and sound effects and the whole thing about people turning into rhinoceri, this a wondrously theatrical production, based on real people talking and emoting and screaming and waving their arms about. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin will return April 8 with enhanced ride vehicles, targets, sound effects and blasters, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will come back after more than a year of shutdown. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026

The sound design by Andre Pluess juxtaposes nostalgic piano music with violent sound effects, while Jason Lynch’s lighting design often evokes a dreamlike quality. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

Visitors move through the space with an audio guide that includes narration, music and sound effects describing key moments from April 14, 1912. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sound effects

• analects
• architects
• dialects
• disconnects
• intellects
• interjects
• intersects
• recollects
• redirects
• affects
• aspects
• bisects

Kids Definition

sound effects

plural noun

: effects that imitate sounds called for in the script of a play, radio or television program, or motion picture