effects

American  

[ih-fekts] / ɪˈfɛkts /

plural noun

1. goods; movables; personal property.

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effects British  

/ ɪˈfɛkts /

plural noun

1. Also called: personal effects.  personal property or belongings

2. lighting, sounds, etc, to accompany and enhance a stage, film, or broadcast production

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Related Words

See property.

Etymology

Origin of effects

Plural of effect

Explanation

Effects are portable personal property not used for business. We most often hear this word in reference to one's "personal effects." The noun effects was first used in 1704 to mean "goods and property." It's your personal stuff, like keys, fine china collection, watch, car, or earrings. "Personal effects" is a phrase often associated with a last will and testament, when someone bequeaths certain items (or items in general) to someone else, but it can also refer to the belongings you remove from your pockets and fork over when you go to jail (which you'll then get back when you leave).

Example Sentences

European central bankers reaffirmed their willingness to raise borrowing costs if they see second-round effects or signs that higher energy bills are prompting higher wage demands and lifting prices of goods and services.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The research team plans to screen for safer compounds that can selectively remove senescent macrophages without harmful side effects.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

"Contrary to its claim, this is not the first assessment of the environmental effects of sand extraction on Lough Neagh."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

But unlike gasoline price increases, which companies quickly pass on to consumers, it takes longer for consumers to see the effects of an oil-price spike in their healthcare costs.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

I culled symptoms of mono, plantar warts, shingles, borderline personality disorder and a bladder infection, as well as listing a bunch of side effects from some TV ads for drugs.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen