falling diphthong

noun

: a diphthong (such as \ȯi\ in \ˈnȯiz\ noise) composed of a vowel followed by a less sonorous glide

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of falling diphthong was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

falling band
falling diphthong
falling disease
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Cite this Entry

“Falling diphthong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falling%20diphthong. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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