cog

1 of 5

noun (1)

ˈkäg 

1

: a tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear

2

: a subordinate but integral person or part

cogged

ˈkägd 

adjective

cog

2 of 5

verb (1)

cogged; cogging

intransitive verb

1

obsolete : to cheat in throwing dice

2

obsolete : deceive

3

obsolete : to use venal flattery

transitive verb

1

: to direct the fall of (dice) fraudulently

2

obsolete : wheedle

cog

3 of 5

verb (2)

cogged; cogging

transitive verb

: to connect (timbers, joists, etc.) by means of mortises and tenons

cog

4 of 5

noun (2)

: a tenon on a beam or timber

cog

5 of 5

abbreviation

cognate

Examples of cog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Thrustmaster says its Direct Axial Drive technology nearly eliminates cogging while the new wheel base delivers five newton-meters of constant torque to increase force feedback effects and responsiveness. —Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 11 Oct. 2024

On Windows, click the Settings cog icon on the Start menu, then choose Apps. —David Nield, Popular Science, 3 May 2023

Noun

Eastwood’s films match a respect for the military with a distaste for war and the callousness of officers who treat their soldiers as cogs. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

The oil business affects everything in the wild West Texas town of Landman, and Billy Bob Thornton is a key cog in that machine. —Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English cogge, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish kugge cog

Verb (1)

obsolete cog a trick

Verb (2)

probably alteration of cock to cog

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1532, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Verb (2)

1823, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1830, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cog

• cog railway

Kids Definition

cog

noun

ˈkäg

1

: a tooth on the rim of a wheel adjusted to fit notches in another wheel or bar and to give or receive motion

2

: a person whose job is of low rank but still important