consonant

noun

: one of a class of speech sounds (such as \p\, \g\, \n\, \l\, \s\, \r\) characterized by constriction or closure at one or more points in the breath channel

also : a letter representing a consonant

—usually used in English of any letter except a, e, i, o, and u

Examples of consonant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Light and Thread, Kang observes that her house is built in the shape of the Korean consonant ㄷ, thus necessitating the use of mirrors to ensure the various fruit trees planted in its courtyard receive sunlight from all sides. —Literary Hub, 4 May 2026

In general, however, these monikers rely on softer vowels and consonants that are light and velvety on the ear. —Anna Earl, Parents, 5 Apr. 2026

Visual phonics, which includes hand cues and symbols that represent sounds such as vowels or consonants, can be used as literacy support. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026

The first Arabic letter of the word, 'ع', is a consonant, which is pronounced using the back of your throat. —C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English consonans, consonaunte, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French consonant, borrowed from Latin consonant-, consonans (originally as modifying littera "letter"), noun derivative from present participle of consonāre "to sound together" — more at consonant entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing consonant

• consonant shift

Kids Definition

consonant

1 of 2 adjective

con·​so·​nant ˈkän(t)-s(ə-)nənt 

: being in harmony or agreement

consonantly adverb

consonant

2 of 2 noun

1

: a speech sound (as \p\, \n\, or \s\) produced by narrowing or closing the breath channel at one or more points

2

: a letter representing a consonant

especially : any letter of the English alphabet except a, e, i, o, and u

consonantal

ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈnant-ᵊl

adjective