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 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 Also included is the gearshift knob from the Razor Crest spaceship, which is his favorite toy. Toni Sutton, EW.com, 2 Oct. 2023 But a parallel hybrid might be our last chance for an MX-5 with a manual gearshift. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 21 July 2023 Whether at racetracks or simply around town, car scenes feature recurrent, sharply edited closeups of hands on gearshifts and feet on clutches. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2024 This gives you the most direct throttle mapping, the fastest gearshifts, and the quickest reactions from the suspension. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 16 Nov. 2023 However, the smoothness gained off the line is traded for a mixed bag of sometimes-abrupt gearshifts, especially when the drive mode is in more aggressive settings. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2023 This Lego set also comes with Grogu’s favorite toy, the gearshift knob from the Razor Crest spaceship, which can be attached to his hand. Containing 1,073 pieces, the set is recommended for ages 8 and up. Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 2 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gearshift.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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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