anlaut

noun

an·​laut
ˈänˌlau̇t
plural anlaute
-au̇tə,
-au̇tə
also anlauts
phonetics
: initial sound or position of a word or syllable compare auslaut, inlaut

Word History

Etymology

German, from an on, at (from Old High German ana) + laut sound, from Old High German lūt; akin to Old English hlūd loud

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anlaut was in 1848

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near anlaut

Cite this Entry

“Anlaut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anlaut. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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