thumbwheel

noun

thumb·​wheel ˈthəm-ˌ(h)wēl How to pronounce thumbwheel (audio)
: a control for various devices consisting of a partially exposed wheel that can be turned by moving the exposed edge with a finger

Examples of thumbwheel 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.
Like most e-skates, the Ranger X5 is controlled by a rechargeable handheld remote that features a thumbwheel and digital display. William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Getting under way with a slight push and then rolling the thumbwheel to the stop, the Ranger builds speed quickly to its 26 mph limit. William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 By pressing a thumbwheel on the back of that grip, the user can rotate the clamp/phone between landscape and portrait orientations. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 11 Sep. 2024 Next, turn the thumb wheel above the bar forward to tighten the chain; turn the thumbwheel back to release tension on it. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 30 Nov. 2022 In Track mode, dialed in by Porsche's familiar drive mode controller, this very special 911 is the first of its kind to invite you to tweak compression and rebound of the front and rear dampers via the PASM thumbwheel. Georg Kacher, Car and Driver, 4 Oct. 2022 The programmable buttons are: two side buttons, the thumbwheel above those, the primary scroll wheel, the button south of the scroll wheel, and the button on the thumb rest. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 24 May 2022 That’s perfect ergonomics for right-hand drive Defenders in England, while a thumbwheel on the steering wheel allows easy volume control for us fussy Colonials. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 27 Nov. 2020 There are redundant controls for changing radio stations or tracks and a thumbwheel to adjust the volume. Tony Quiroga, Car and Driver, 16 Mar. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thumbwheel was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near thumbwheel

Cite this Entry

“Thumbwheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbwheel. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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!