noun
triphthong
TRIF-thong
Triphthong (noun) means a single vowel sound within one syllable that glides smoothly through three different vowel qualities. Example: “The word 'fire' contains a triphthong for many speakers of English.”
noun
1
technical A single vowel sound within one syllable that glides smoothly through three different vowel qualities.
"The word 'fire' contains a triphthong for many speakers of English."
"Linguists disagree over exactly which English words contain a true triphthong."
"She practised the triphthong sound until the three vowel qualities blended smoothly."
How to use triphthong
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt is a vowel sound that shifts through three vowel qualities within one syllable.
When to use it
This is a specialist term used in phonetics and linguistics.
Memory tip
Note the correct pronunciation starts with an f sound, not a p sound, despite the spelling.
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Easily confused with
Common pairings
contains a triphthong
triphthong sound
true triphthong
pronounce a triphthong
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The word 'fire' contains a _____ for many speakers of English.
Etymology
The word comes from the Ancient Greek term for having three voices, itself built from the words for three and sound.
Rhymes for triphthong
See all rhymes for triphthong →Frequently asked questions
What is a triphthong?
It is a vowel sound in a single syllable that moves smoothly through three different vowel qualities.
How is a triphthong different from a diphthong?
A diphthong glides between two vowel qualities, while a triphthong passes through three.
Can you give an example of a triphthong in English?
The vowel sound in a word like 'fire' is often cited as an example of a triphthong.
What is the meaning of triphthong?
"triphthong" (noun) means a single vowel sound within one syllable that glides smoothly through three different vowel qualities.
