digraph

[ dahy-graf, -grahf ]

noun
  1. a pair of letters representing a single speech sound, as ea in meat or th in path.

Origin of digraph

1
First recorded in 1780–90; di-1 + -graph

Other words from digraph

  • di·graph·ic [dahy-graf-ik], /daɪˈgræf ɪk/, adjective
  • di·graph·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby digraph

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use digraph in a sentence

  • A consonant or digraph between two sounded vowels usually joins the following vowel, rea-son, no-ti-fy, mo-ther.

    Division of Words | Frederick W. Hamilton
  • When a consonant is doubled (not forming a digraph) the two are generally separated; beg-gar, bril-liant, cun-ning.

    Division of Words | Frederick W. Hamilton
  • Excess (ss digraph, pronounced practically like a single s) gives ex-cess-es, ex-cess-ive, etc.

    Division of Words | Frederick W. Hamilton
  • The digraph th is represented in Old English texts by and , no consistent distinction being made between them.

  • A digraph may either be a combination of two consonants or of two vowels or of a vowel and a consonant.

    Plain English | Marian Wharton

British Dictionary definitions for digraph

digraph

/ (ˈdaɪɡrɑːf, -ɡræf) /


noun
  1. a combination of two letters or characters used to represent a single speech sound such as gh in English tough: Compare ligature (def. 5), diphthong

Derived forms of digraph

  • digraphic (daɪˈɡræfɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012