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

For non-track and engine sounds, sound editor Gwendolyn Yates Whittle collected crowd noises and loop group recordings like chants and cheers, while rerecording mixers Gary Rizzo and Juan Peralta oversaw dialogue and music, and sound effects, respectively. —Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026

Both of the Furblets have over 45 different sound effects that can be activated by pressing their heads, heart gems, and mouths. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

The last audience game came during the second quarter, leaving us to be glorified sound effects during the second half of the show. —Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026

Normally, the show tries to stir up scandal with a healthy helping of sound effects, but this week Briar, Mia, and Athena really are fighting. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026

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