gearshift

noun

gear·​shift ˈgir-ˌshift 

variants or gear shift

plural gearshifts or gear shifts

1

: a mechanism by which the transmission gears in a power-transmission system are engaged and disengaged

also : a lever for controlling such a mechanism

2

: the functioning of a gearshift mechanism : the act or an instance of shifting gears

A new, eight-speed automatic transmission makes gear shifts based in part on g-forces that the car encounters during spirited driving.

—Ann M. Job

Examples of gearshift in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are several such examples in this week’s mesmerizing gearshift of an episode, but consider Carol’s updating of Helen’s burial site in her backyard. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2025

Renshaw slammed the gearshift, rocked back and forth, and eventually clawed her way out. —Molly Parker, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025

Used with the paddle shifters at the steering wheel, the S+ Shift system mimics gearshift response with rev-matching, downshift blips, and gear-holding simulations. —New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2025

The gearshift lever that had always stuck up between the seats was gone, replaced by buttons to open up the cabin. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gearshift

• adrift
• airlift
• facelift
• festschrift
• forklift
• makeshift
• redshift
• sealift
• snowdrift
• spendthrift
• clift
• drift

Kids Definition

gearshift

noun

gear·​shift ˈgi(ə)r-ˌshift 

: a mechanism by which transmission gears are connected and disconnected