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

Inside is an analog oasis anchored by a gearshift that rises from an interpretation of the Noé handbag, complete with drawstring. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026

Future electric Hyundais that are not N models will reportedly offer fake gearshifts and engine sounds as well. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 30 Apr. 2026

Ford is aware of two injuries and one accident potentially related to the gearshift issue, according to NHTSA. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026

My tester had a pushbutton gearshift setup sandwiched between upper and lower screens full of icons. — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026

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