domino effect

American  

noun

• domino effects
  plural

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

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domino effect British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• domino effects
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of domino effect

First recorded in 1965–70

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

domino effect

“We’re feeling the domino effect in the right direction,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 14, 2026

Campaigners warned that it would create a domino effect leading to other services being withdrawn.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

This has created “a domino effect that also strains hospitals and other care settings.”

From MarketWatch ● May 5, 2026

Thomas worries about the domino effect this oil crunch will have on everything else he buys, as the rising cost of transport pushes up the prices of everyday goods like food and clothing.

From Barron's ● May 2, 2026

That letter had caused a domino effect of events that pitted Regan against me in a simulation test that just so happened to also be testing for compatibility for the partner program.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

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