noun
diphthong
DIF-thong
Diphthong (noun) means a vowel sound within one syllable that begins as one vowel and ends as another. Example: “The vowel in the word "coin" is a diphthong.”
noun
1
phonology A vowel sound within one syllable that begins as one vowel and ends as another.
"The vowel in the word "coin" is a diphthong."
"Many English speakers pronounce "bite" with a diphthong."
"Learners often flatten a diphthong into a single vowel."
How to use diphthong
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA vowel sound that glides from one vowel to another in a single syllable.
When to use it
It is a technical term used mainly in linguistics and language teaching.
Memory tip
Remember that di- means two, so a diphthong has two vowel targets in one syllable.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
monophthong
triphthong →
Common pairings
a long diphthong
English diphthongs
a rising diphthong
vowels and diphthongs
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Fill the gap
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The vowel in the word "coin" is a _____.
Etymology
Diphthong came into English from French diphtongue, which took it from Late Latin diphthongus. That comes from Ancient Greek, where it meant "two sounds".
Synonyms
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gliding vowel
Rhymes for diphthong
See all rhymes for diphthong →Frequently asked questions
What is a diphthong?
It is a vowel sound that starts as one vowel and ends as another within the same syllable.
How do you pronounce diphthong?
In British English it is usually said DIF-thong. Some speakers say DIP-thong, which the dictionary notes is sometimes proscribed.
How do you spell diphthong?
It is d-i-p-h-t-h-o-n-g, with ph followed by th.
What is the meaning of diphthong?
"diphthong" (noun) means a vowel sound within one syllable that begins as one vowel and ends as another.
