digraph

noun

di·​graph ˈdī-ˌgraf How to pronounce digraph (audio)
1
: a group of two successive letters whose phonetic value is a single sound (such as ea in bread or ng in sing) or whose value is not the sum of a value borne by each in other occurrences (such as ch in chin where the value is \t\ + \sh\)
2
: a group of two successive letters
3
digraphic adjective
digraphically adverb

Examples of digraph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Beverly concludes, her digraphs pointedly curt, left to flutter in the air. Vulture, 4 May 2023 The digraph remains classified. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 25 Aug. 2020 To construct a vowel progression theme, the constructor develops a set of phrases in which the last word of each entry starts with the same letter or digraph — in this case, PR — and ends with one of the vowel sounds. New York Times, 24 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'digraph.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of digraph was in 1780

Dictionary Entries Near digraph

Cite this Entry

“Digraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digraph. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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