sound effects

plural noun

: effects that are imitative of sounds called for in the script of a dramatic production (such as a radio show) and that enhance the production's illusion of reality

Examples of sound effects in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

A couple of bits the trailer doesn’t show you: Frank biting off and chewing the barrel of one robber’s gun like a cookie; Frank rolling another robber like a bowling ball into the others, prompting them all to collapse like pins (complete with sound effects). —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 July 2025

The show has much of the Space Age look that the new movie has picked up on, and also deploys the sound effects banks heard in all the Hanna-Barbera shows. —Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 26 July 2025

The ability to quickly generate synced sound effects could be a game-changer for online video creators who produce content at a rapid pace. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 22 July 2025

The upcoming album, set to release on Sept. 26, is filled with sound effects ranging from doors shutting and glass breaking to jacket zippers and gift wrapping. —Marina Watts, People.com, 17 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sound effects

• analects
• architects
• dialects
• disconnects
• intellects
• interjects
• intersects
• recollects
• redirects
• affects
• aspects
• bisects

Kids Definition

sound effects

plural noun

: effects that imitate sounds called for in the script of a play, radio or television program, or motion picture