great vowel shift

noun

often capitalized G&V&S
: a change in pronunciation of the long vowels of Middle English that began in the 15th century and continued into the 16th century in which the high vowels were diphthongized and the other vowels were raised

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great vowel shift was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near great vowel shift

Cite this Entry

“Great vowel shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20vowel%20shift. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

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