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
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Examples of diphthong in a Sentence
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
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
DIPHTHONG Defined for English Language Learners
diphthong
playDefinition of diphthong for English Language Learners
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linguistics : two vowel sounds joined in one syllable to form one speech sound
DIPHTHONG Defined for Kids
diphthong
playDefinition 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
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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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