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shifter

American  
[shif-ter] / ˈʃɪf tər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that shifts.

  2. Informal. shift lever.


Etymology

Origin of shifter

First recorded in 1545–55; shift + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The researchers discovered that a protein within this system, called GldJ, acts as a type of gear shifter that controls the direction of the motor.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

Strassburger says that new test vehicles for the Dadss system will allow drivers to start the vehicle, but stop the gear shifter from working—so the car can’t get out of “park.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Actor Rashida Jones, the daughter of composer Quincy Jones, commemorated her late father on Thursday with a bounty of descriptors, calling him a giant, icon, culture shifter and genius.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2024

The 34-year-old left the crossbar shoogling with a ferocious effort, that felt at the time like a possible momentum shifter.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2024

It is a hypermutant, a shape shifter, spontaneously altering its character as it moves through populations and through individuals.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston