New England short o

noun

: a vowel short in duration, of a quality that varies from \ō\-like to \ȯ\-like to \ˈə\-like, and less and less used in New England in some or all of approximately 50 consonant-final monosyllables and their compounds and derivatives that in other dialects have the vowel of no (as in coat, road, stone, whole, wholly)

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now