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stage effect

American  

noun

  1. a highly spectacular or artificial device or means, especially for attracting attention.


stage effect British  

noun

  1. a special effect created on the stage by lighting, sound, 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 stage effect

First recorded in 1785–95

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.

See Examples For:

A sweet stage effect embroiders the evening’s final moments, as Celie’s happiness reaches full flower.

From Washington Post Aug. 25, 2022

The one-ton, 6,000-bead chandelier is not only Broadway’s most famous stage effect, but also its oldest.

From New York Times Sep. 16, 2021

A stage effect didn’t quite work, and Ms. Levy noticed.

From New York Times Aug. 9, 2017

The street lamps were lit against a sky still light, a stage effect that almost makes me cry.

From The Guardian Jul. 19, 2012

Bianca, in Millman's Fazio, was another of her finest parts, and as it contained more stage effect, it told more with the public.

From Visits and Sketches at Home and Abroad with Tales and Miscellanies Now First Collected Vol. III (of 3) by Jameson, Mrs. (Anna)

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