sight gag

noun

: a comic bit or episode whose effect is produced by pantomime or camera shot rather than by words

Examples of sight gag in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Schein directs the show with tongue firmly planted in cheek, so there are many amusing sight gags (like an atrocious comb-over wig). Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 The plot is just a format for ceaseless one-liners, sight gags and cartoonish characters. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 The Hollywood parody has one-liners and sight gags for days with every bit zanier and more elaborate than the one before. Rachel Simon, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026 The museum scene includes one of the film’s best sight gags, involving Star Wars creator George Lucas, appearing as himself. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sight gag

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sight gag was in 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Sight gag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sight%20gag. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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