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visual effect

American  
[vizh-oo-uhl i-fekt] / ˈvɪʒ u əl ɪˈfɛkt /

noun

Movies, Television.
  1. Usually visual effects a special effect that is added to a film or video in post-production, as computer-generated imagery. VFX


Etymology

Origin of visual effect

First recorded in 1980–85

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.

But the visual effect that best expresses the movie’s “punk” personality might be Krypto, the superdog — or superbad dog.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

Instead its "load-based" EA permit says that discharges should not have "adverse effects" on plants or animals in the water and that there should be "no significant adverse visual effect".

From BBC • May 10, 2025

It created the visual effect of more than doubling what Trump was able to turn, despite covering his ear with a comically oversized bandage and everything.

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2024

Dash wore the team’s cap and a bandana, and held a hot dog sideways in his mouth for maximum visual effect.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 5, 2024

The sky was a mere block to allow a visual effect on the horizon: sunlight flooding the ocean, the vertical edges between light and shadow perfectly distinct.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel