special effects

plural noun

: visual or sound effects introduced into a movie, video recording, or taped television production

Examples of special effects in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Blame the 2023 Hollywood strikes along with the reality that big fantasy projects take considerably more time to shoot given the elaborate sets, costumes and special effects required. Jim Halterman, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026 In The Scenario, reporter Kirbie Johnson takes readers behind the scenes of the buzziest movies and TV shows to reveal how the best wigs, special effects makeup, and more are created. Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 6 Jan. 2026 Kubrick would receive the Academy Award for special effects in 1969, the only Oscar of his sterling career. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026 Alongside three other special effects supervisors including Douglas Trumbull, Wally Veevers and Tom Howard, Pederson’s work led the director to his Oscar win for best visual effects in 1969. Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for special effects

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special effects was in 1907

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Cite this Entry

“Special effects.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20effects. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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