Definition of consonant shift
: a set of regular changes in consonant articulation in the history of a language or dialect:
a
: such a set affecting the Indo-European stops (see stop entry 2 sense 9) and distinguishing the Germanic languages from the other Indo-European languages — compare grimm's law
b
: such a set affecting the Germanic stops and distinguishing High German from the other Germanic languages
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about consonant shift
Dictionary Entries near consonant shift
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for consonant shift
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Consonant shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consonant%20shift. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Comments on consonant shift
What made you want to look up consonant shift? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Who Knew?
-
- What is a ruelle?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share consonant shift
Time Traveler for consonant shift
The first known use of consonant shift was in 1888
See more words from the same year