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
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.
Shaun's attempts to find the tyke at the fair inspire lots of Aardman's typically hilarious sight gags, all performed without dialogue. EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024 The computer cataclysm that never happened is now enjoying a cultural moment, whether as a sight gag in Abbott Elementary, a plot device in The Righteous Gemstones, or as the theme of a new apocalyptic comedy aptly named Y2K. Zachary Loeb / Made By History, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024 The pic spawned a 1982 kitchen-sink sequel that brought most of the band back together and continued the knee-slapping or face-palming punchlines, unrepentant sight gags and inexpressive line readings — fourth wall be damned. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 26 Nov. 2024 Along with childhood friends Jerry and David Zucker, the trio of Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker helped popularize the spoof genre, filling their movies with word play and sight gags. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 26 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near sight gag

Cite this Entry

“Sight gag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sight%20gag. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!