Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

sight gag

American  

noun

  1. a comic effect produced by visual means rather than by spoken lines, as in a play or motion picture.


Etymology

Origin of sight gag

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Unfortunately, the way she’s deployed as a sight gag makes it hard to take her seriously when it counts.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2025

Not to be forgotten: associate music director and pianist Riley Brule, who transcends the role of accompanist with a few choice interjections and a sight gag involving a pair of moose antlers.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2023

What is your favorite line, joke or sight gag?

From Salon • Oct. 3, 2023

Seeing this gruff, grizzled legend wield two colorful pipes was its own sight gag.

From New York Times • Dec. 31, 2022

It’s a sight gag, a provocation, an invitation to see something differently.

From Washington Post • Nov. 3, 2022

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "sight gag" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com