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
Ann M. JobExamples of gearshift in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Photo : Jasen Delgado, courtesy of RM Sotheby's A close-up of the gearshift for the five-speed ZF transmission.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 7 May 2025
Leave the transmission in automatic mode, and gearshifts occur unnaturally early, which has the effect of cloaking the 12-cylinder’s power reserves, though 80 percent of its torque is available at only 2,500 rpm.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025
Photo : William Walker, courtesy of RM Sotheby's A close-up of the gearshift for the six-speed manual gearbox.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gearshift
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Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 June 2025
Photo : Jasen Delgado, courtesy of RM Sotheby's A close-up of the gearshift for the five-speed ZF transmission.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 7 May 2025
Leave the transmission in automatic mode, and gearshifts occur unnaturally early, which has the effect of cloaking the 12-cylinder’s power reserves, though 80 percent of its torque is available at only 2,500 rpm.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025
Photo : William Walker, courtesy of RM Sotheby's A close-up of the gearshift for the six-speed manual gearbox.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gearshift
Cite this Entry
“Gearshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gearshift. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gearshift
noun
gear·shift
ˈgi(ə)r-ˌshift
: a mechanism by which transmission gears are connected and disconnected
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