Gearshift (noun)

1. A device, typically located on the floor or on the steering column of a vehicle, that is used to change gears and control the speed of the vehicle.
2. The mechanism used to change gears in a car or other vehicle.

Origin:

From the words gear + shift, refers to the mechanism used to change gears in a car or other vehicle.

Examples:

1. The gearshift was located on the floor of the car, between the driver's seat and the door.
2. The gearshift was located on the steering column and had a lever that was used to change gears.
3. He shifted into third gear using the gearshift.
4. She accidently put the car in reverse gear instead of drive gear when she shifted with the gearshift.
5. The gearshift had to be shifted into the park position before the car's engine could be turned off.