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

Dictionary Entries Near falling diphthong

Cite this Entry

“Falling diphthong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falling%20diphthong. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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