noun
Uncommon
contraction
kuhn-TRAKSHN
Contraction (noun) means a shortened form of a word or words, often marked with an apostrophe. Example: “Don't" is a contraction of "do not.”
noun
1
A shortened form of a word or words, often marked with an apostrophe.
""Don't" is a contraction of "do not.""
"The style guide advises against using contractions in formal essays."
2
A strong tightening of the uterine muscles that occurs before and during childbirth.
"Her contractions were coming every five minutes by the time they reached the hospital."
3
A shrinking or reduction in size, scope, or economic activity.
"The report warned of a sharp contraction in the manufacturing sector."
How to use contraction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA shortened word, a tightening muscle spasm (especially in labor), or an economic shrinkage.
Common pairings
use a contraction
labor contractions
economic contraction
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Word forms
- Plural
- contractions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"Don't" is a _____ of "do not."
Etymology
From Old French contraction, from Latin contractio, itself from contrahere ("to draw together"), the same root behind "contract."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for contraction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for contraction →
Frequently asked questions
What does “contraction” mean?
The word “contraction” means a shortened form of a word or words, often marked with an apostrophe. In plain terms, a shortened word, a tightening muscle spasm (especially in labor), or an economic shrinkage.
How do you pronounce “contraction”?
“Contraction” is pronounced kuhn-TRAKSHN (/kənˈtɹækʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “contraction” in a sentence?
Here is “contraction” used in a sentence: “"Don't" is a contraction of "do not.".”
What part of speech is “contraction”?
“Contraction” is a noun.
Where does the word “contraction” come from?
The word “contraction” comes from Latin. From Old French contraction, from Latin contractio, itself from contrahere ("to draw together"), the same root behind "contract.".
Is “contraction” a common word?
“Contraction” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “contraction” have?
“Contraction” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a shortened form of a word or words, often marked with an apostrophe.
