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

The sound effects on the films are also elegantly crafted. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026

The bricks can detect movement, distance and interaction, lighting up, changing color and producing sound effects in real time as kids play. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026

The LEDs used are multicolor and the sound effects range from lines from fan-favorite characters to warning alerts and more. —Alexander Cox, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2026

Norris, Stern's quiet sidekick and mastermind of many of the show's parody songs and sound effects, has been with Stern since 1979, while Quivers, who started with Stern in 1981 as his news anchor, remains Stern's steady guiding force. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 16 Dec. 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