domino effect

noun

plural domino effects
: a cumulative effect produced when one event initiates a succession of similar events compare ripple effect

Examples of domino effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Weak militias, overstretched armies, and limited external support heighten the risk of political destabilization, territorial fragmentation, and a potential domino effect across the region. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 The domino effect can be traced back to the film’s thematic thrust – the lack of access to proper health care for so many in India. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2025 The effects of it — the societal collapse, the potential for a planet that becomes inhabitable, the domino effects of countries behaving badly and economies collapsing because of climate change — are very real issues that should be front and center of our conversations right now. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Dec. 2025 That could have a domino effect for the major airports. CBS News, 28 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for domino effect

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of domino effect was in 1924

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Cite this Entry

“Domino effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domino%20effect. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

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