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

“People who are going to buy a stick shift are driving from A to A, for the experience.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

It’s as if we’ve left our kids a sports car and neglected to teach them how to drive a stick shift.

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

Michael added, “We make fun of him because we can all drive stick shift, we can change oil, but he never really got into it.”

From Washington Post