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diphthong

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noun diph·thong \ ˈdif-ˌthȯŋ , ˈdip- \

Definition of diphthong

1 linguistics :a gliding (see 1glide 4) monosyllabic speech sound (such 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 linguistics :digraph
3 :the ligature (see ligature 4) æ or œ
—

diphthongal

play \dif-ˈthȯŋ-(g)əl, dip-\ adjective

See diphthong defined for English-language learners

See diphthong defined for kids

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Examples of diphthong in a Sentence

  1. The sounds of “ou” in “out” and of “oy” in “boy” are diphthongs.

Origin and Etymology of diphthong

Middle English diptonge, from Middle French diptongue, from Late Latin dipthongus, from Greek diphthongos, from di- + phthongos voice, sound

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

DIPHTHONG Defined for English Language Learners

diphthong

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noun

Definition of diphthong for English Language Learners

  • linguistics : two vowel sounds joined in one syllable to form one speech sound

DIPHTHONG Defined for Kids

diphthong

play
noun diph·thong \ ˈdif-ˌthȯŋ , ˈdip- \

Definition 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

  1. See words that rhyme with diphthong Spanish Central: Translation of diphthong Nglish: Translation of diphthong for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diphthong

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Examples: diphthong in a Sentence