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 River Cats’ mascot, Dinger, danced on the roof of the visiting team’s dugout, and sound effects played during tense and celebratory moments: a feline snarl, and the two-note sting associated in pop culture with an approaching shark. —Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025

The Sphere also re-recorded the orchestral score and made new sound effects for the film, while preserving the original dialogue and vocals. —Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025

Then our sound effects team all comes together on the mix stage with me. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025

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

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