Standard Lemma guide

PRNDL

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • /ˈpɹɪndl̩/
  • rhymes with -ɪndəl
  • homophone: Prindle

1

noun

Meaning 1

The gearstick in a car with automatic transmission.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, abbreviation, acronym, humorous, informal

Topics: automotive, transport, vehicles

Examples

  • John A. Kuecken (1980), Handbook of microprocessor applications, page 59: “You could close all the doors, place the PRNDL in Park and start the engine.”
  • James Schefter (1998), All Corvettes Are Red, →ISBN, page 339: “Dave Hill ordered it redone and new PRNDLs were being readied for the next drive out of Milford.”
  • Rick Wenman (2003), Fresh Tracks, →ISBN, page 69: “I pull the gearshift into reverse. Always do it by feel. The PRNDL on top of the steering column quit working as soon as the warranty was up.”
  • Noel B Searle (2011), The Visibly Invisible Man and Other Short Stories, →ISBN, page 9: “Jones settled behind the steering wheel, dutifully securing his seat belt, slipped the PRNDL into Drive and eased out of the driveway.”

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: PRNDL1, PRND1, PRND21, PRNODL, PRNODL1, PRNOD21, PRNOD1

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the letters marked on the gearstick, standing for park, reverse, neutral, drive, low, the gears on a standard automatic transmission.