domino effect

noun

plural domino effects
: a cumulative effect produced when one event initiates a succession of similar events compare ripple effect

Examples of domino effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These communications, Kroger said, led C&S to second-guess the initial agreement, creating a domino effect and prompting the Washington court to block the sale. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026 The topic of transgender athletes has been at the center of WNBA discourse since Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham weighed in on the conversation in an ESPN article last month, instigating a domino effect of reactions in and around the league. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 While flights resumed Tuesday night, the domino effect of delays continued into the morning. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 This makes worries about a domino effect, should one party fail to meet its financial obligations, all the more understandable. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for domino effect

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of domino effect was in 1924

Rhymes for domino effect

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Browse Nearby Words

domino bridge
domino effect
domino theory
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Domino effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domino%20effect. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on domino effect

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about domino effect

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