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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.

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

From Washington Post

“Jefferson ran away with the stage effect,” Adams lamented, “and all the glory of it.”

From Literature

But while Dorrance dancers are exquisitely skilled tappers, their stage effects are not limited to percussive footwork.

From Washington Post

The theater, especially the technologically sophisticated Paris Opéra, offered aspects of both — heightened moments of great dramatic conflict and sumptuous visions of landscape in its backdrops and stage effects.

From Washington Post

His version, which has been performed at City Ballet every year since 1954, is famous for its magical sets and stage effects, like the Christmas tree that grows several stories tall.

From New York Times