stick shift

American  

noun

1. a manually operated transmission for an automotive vehicle, with the shift lever set either in the floor or on the steering column.

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stick shift British  

noun

1. 1. a manually operated transmission system in a motor vehicle

   2. a motor vehicle having manual transmission

2. a gear lever

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Etymology

Origin of stick shift

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Katie: My favorite thing I have done with this car is teach our 14-year-old son to drive stick shift.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

That beetle was banged up because when John first got his license, he didn’t realize that because it was a stick shift, he needed to put the handbrake on when parking.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2024

Toyota has decided that the way to get people excited about electric vehicles is to give consumers the illusion of driving a stick shift, fake vroom sound and all.

From Slate • Jun. 15, 2023

Bassett’s character gives him historical context and teaches him skills, like how to drive a stick shift.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 15, 2023

I try to fold over myself, kicking the stick shift and somehow managing both to knee myself in the chin and whack my foot against Dara’s arm.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith