sound effect

[ sound i-fekt ]

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

sound effect

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sound effect¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

It was an African safari sketch, which ran about six minutes long and included sound effects created by crunching potato chips.

From Los Angeles Times

“Because they put those sound effects with it. I was like, ‘Wow, I will go all the way up to the edge.

From Los Angeles Times

When it comes to the body horror aspect of it all, “The Substance” delivers on all fronts, from its heightened satire, squelching and crackling sound effects, and revved-up visuals.

From Salon

"He spent many happy hours recording in our cupboard, making Just One Thing. My role was to supply coffee and sound effects."

From BBC

The direction, by Dolly Wells and Tom Vaughan, is admirably straightforward; the show is suspenseful because it’s full of suspenseful situations, not for being overloaded with dark music, disturbing sound effects and shocking camera moves.

From Los Angeles Times