sound effect

American

[sound i-fekt] / ˈsaʊnd ɪˌfɛkt /

noun

any sound, other than music or speech, artificially reproduced to create an effect in a dramatic presentation, as the sound of a storm or a creaking door. SFX

sound effect British

noun

any sound artificially produced, reproduced from a recording, etc, to create a theatrical effect, such as the bringing together of two halves of a hollow coconut shell to simulate a horse's gallop; used in plays, films, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sound effect

First recorded in 1925–30

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.

You hear the music of “Auld Lang Syne” on an old-timey organ, while John dons a Scottish accent and spins a tale about beasties while a wind sound effect blows in the background.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

A cartoon sound effect for jumping isn’t among them.

From New York Times • Oct. 30, 2023

Loud cheers rang out as he revealed he had got a seven in English Literature, followed by a fitting smash sound effect from his DJ.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2023

It is unclear where the video was taken, but its audio has since become a widely shared sound effect, often used in comedic ways.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 23, 2023

Kyle heard a WHIRR-DING! sound effect as his red battery icon glowed green and grew from nearly empty to completely full.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023