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

But the grocery store closed by 2008, creating a domino effect with remaining businesses, the Martin City Telegraph reported. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

The domino effect sent Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas. — Matt Baker, New York Times, 23 July 2026

This narrative is detrimental to the overall regenerative movement and continues to cause a harmful domino effect. — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Experts worry about potential ecological domino effects, as the intruders often compete with or eat native species and throw ecosystems off balance. — Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 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