domino effect

noun

1. the cumulative effect that results when one event precipitates a series of like events.

domino effect

noun

1. a series of similar or related events occurring as a direct and inevitable result of one initial event

Word History and Origins

Origin of domino effect¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Word History and Origins

Origin of domino effect¹

C20: alluding to a row of dominoes, each standing on end, all of which fall when one is pushed: originally used with reference to possible Communist takeovers of countries in SE Asia

Example Sentences

At least 29 retailers in the US filed for bankruptcy in 2020, some of them for the second time, causing commercial real estate to suffer a domino effect from unpaid rents and store closures.

From Quartz

Gavin Newsom set off a domino effect at the tail end of 2020.

From Voice of San Diego

These steps toward separation could have ripple effects on the media companies distributing programming and generating revenue across the platforms, creating a domino effect of winners and losers.

From Digiday

In response, property owners along the southern part of Lanikai began installing seawalls to protect their homes, setting off a domino effect of beach loss down the coastline.

From ProPublica

This is just one example of the domino effect that slower shipping speeds can have.

From Digiday

The lack of food can also domino effect into peace and security—already there have been reports about stolen food aid.

From The Daily Beast

This first session set off a domino effect of unexpected proportions.

From The Daily Beast

The former Soviet Union is witnessing an anti-gay, anti-Western, anti-civil society domino effect.

From The Daily Beast

The CVS move will undoubtedly create a domino effect among other pharmacy chains.

From The Daily Beast

Depending on what Wildstein has, and on whom, he might set off a domino-effect of people flipping, and then who knows.

From The Daily Beast