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

Of course, Simmons’ presence as a block-eater had a domino effect on the defense. — Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

The war also notably drove up gas and diesel prices, creating a domino effect in inflation. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026

That release then warms the atmosphere, which in turn has a domino effect on weather patterns around the globe. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026

In a scenario with very high emissions, our results show a potential faster domino effect. — Robert Kopp, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for domino effect

• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct
• dissect
• eject