shifter

noun

shift·​er ˈshif-tər How to pronounce shifter (audio)
: one that shifts
especially : gearshift

Examples of shifter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the other hand, the shifter is quite notchy and clunky at times, and while all manual boxes occasionally take a little finessing to slot into first before taking off, the Emira’s frequently require it. Peter Nelson, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025 Neither possesses the best cupholder design, but at least the Cayman’s two flip out from the dashboard in front of the passenger, whereas the Emira’s are rather small and inconveniently placed right behind the shifter. Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 The Silver shifter can be mounted on the downtube or the bar end or pretty much anywhere else. Eben Weiss, Outside Online, 25 July 2025 Photo : Alexander Babic, courtesy of RM Sotheby's A close-up of the pistol-grip shifter for the four-speed manual transmission. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shifter

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shifter was in 1571

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shifter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shifter. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

shifter

noun
shift·​er ˈshif-tər How to pronounce shifter (audio)
: one that shifts
especially : gearshift
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!