gearshift

noun

gear·​shift ˈgir-ˌshift How to pronounce gearshift (audio)
variants or gear shift
plural gearshifts or gear shifts
1
: a mechanism by which the transmission gears in a power-transmission system are engaged and disengaged
also : a lever for controlling such a mechanism
2
: the functioning of a gearshift mechanism : the act or an instance of shifting gears
A new, eight-speed automatic transmission makes gear shifts based in part on g-forces that the car encounters during spirited driving.Ann M. Job

Examples of gearshift in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Disable the vehicle by chocking the wheels, placing the gearshift in park and removing the ignition key and/or disconnecting the 12V battery. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 9 Oct. 2024 But Manz will spec a true gearshift lever to match the transfer-case shifter in classic style, and specific build preferences can drop the use of carbon fiber altogether. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 8 May 2024 In 1989, Nigel Mansell won the Brazilian Grand Prix racing in a F1-89, a car equipped with the first electrohydraulic gearshift on the steering wheel. Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024 In ancient times their gearshift was, in this moment, a massive shampoo. Jay Pilgreen, Kansas City Star, 12 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gearshift 

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gearshift was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near gearshift

Cite this Entry

“Gearshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gearshift. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gearshift

noun
gear·​shift ˈgi(ə)r-ˌshift How to pronounce gearshift (audio)
: a mechanism by which transmission gears are connected and disconnected

More from Merriam-Webster on gearshift

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