digraph

noun

di·​graph ˈdī-ˌgraf How to pronounce digraph (audio)
1
: a group of two successive letters whose phonetic value is a single sound (such as ea in bread or ng in sing) or whose value is not the sum of a value borne by each in other occurrences (such as ch in chin where the value is \t\ + \sh\)
2
: a group of two successive letters
3
digraphic adjective
digraphically adverb

Examples of digraph 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.
Beverly concludes, her digraphs pointedly curt, left to flutter in the air. Vulture, 4 May 2023 The digraph remains classified. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 25 Aug. 2020 To construct a vowel progression theme, the constructor develops a set of phrases in which the last word of each entry starts with the same letter or digraph — in this case, PR — and ends with one of the vowel sounds. New York Times, 24 July 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of digraph was in 1780

Dictionary Entries Near digraph

Cite this Entry

“Digraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digraph. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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