sound effect

American  

[sound i-fekt] / ˈsaʊnd ɪˌfɛkt /

noun

1. 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

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sound effect British  

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of sound effect

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

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

By the time the faux fur lining is added and Rhett tries on the neck pillow, culminating in an unwanted baby sound effect, Shop TV has done it again.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2025

But with millions of restless, anxious app scrollers ordering up that rain on demand, its essential gorgeousness is now a commodity — just another sound effect, and sleep aid.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 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

A graphic popped up on the TV along with a cha-ching sound effect.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty