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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Regardless of whether the Cavs promote Hunter, Merrill or someone else, that will have a domino effect on the rest of their rotation as well. Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 There’s a lot of domino effect there. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 Each seemingly inconsequential measurement is, unfortunately, critical—and each one sets off a domino effect. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025 The prevailing problem is the pricing structure on many consumer goods is formed through a domino effect which includes costs of production, shipping, stocking, and everything in between. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 2025.

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