diphthong
playSimple Definition of diphthong
-
linguistics : two vowel sounds joined in one syllable to form one speech sound
Full Definition of diphthong
1 : a gliding monosyllabic speech sound (as the vowel combination at the end of toy) that starts at or near the articulatory position for one vowel and moves to or toward the position of another
2 : digraph
3 : the ligature æ or œ
Related to diphthong
Examples of diphthong in a sentence
The sounds of “ou” in “out” and of “oy” in “boy” are diphthongs.
Origin of diphthong
Middle English diptonge, from Middle French diptongue, from Late Latin dipthongus, from Greek diphthongos, from di- + phthongos voice, sound
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
Rhymes with diphthong
agelong, along, art song, barong, belong, biltong, birdsong, chaise longue, daylong, ding-dong, dugong, endlong, erelong, fight song, folk song, furlong, Geelong, Haiphong, headlong, headstrong, Hong Kong, hour-long, kampong, lifelong, livelong, Mekong, monthlong, nightlong, oblong, oolong, part-song, Ping-Pong, plainsong, prolong, sarong, Shandong, shout song, sidelong, singsong, so long, souchong, swan song, theme song, torch song, weeklong, work song, yearlong
DIPHTHONG Defined for Kids
diphthong
playDefinition of diphthong for Students
: two vowel sounds joined in one syllable to form one speech sound <The sounds of “ou” in “out” and of “oy” in “boy” are diphthongs.>
Learn More about diphthong
-
Spanish Central: Translation of "diphthong" Nglish: Translation of "diphthong" for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "diphthong"
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up diphthong? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
