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

Flights in late afternoon are statistically more likely to be disrupted, as flight delays and cancellations in the morning in one region of the country tend to create a domino effect, causing a backlog that impacts other regions as the day wears on. —Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

The domino effect of geopolitics impacting trade policy and that policy—mostly centered around tariffs—impacting compliance and sourcing decisions will be a continuing theme throughout 2026, according to experts in trade law. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2026

Williams later discussed the domino effect of Happy Days' success in a 2024 interview with Milwaukee Magazine. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026

More such fastidiousness will be needed to arrest the domino effect of delegitimization and to renew the small guarantees of truth and dignity in public life customarily provided by legacy institutions. —Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 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