: a mechanism that performs a specific function in a complete machine
steering gear
(2)
: a toothed wheel
(3)
: working relation, position, order, or adjustment
got her career in gear
(4)
: a level or pace of functioning
kicked their performance into high gear
b
: one of two or more adjustments of a transmission (as of a bicycle or motor vehicle) that determine mechanical advantage, relative speed, and direction of travel
Noun
I somehow managed to pack all my gear into one suitcase.
soldiers in full combat gear
a complicated arrangement of gears and shafts
a car with four forward gears
Halfway up the hill, my bike slipped out of gear.
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Noun
Park Tool guide to bicycle brakes 6: Shift the derailleurs
With the rear wheel off the ground, spin the pedals and shift through the gears.—George Petras, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025 The protective gear to wear when visiting a burn site should include:
An N95 mask.—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
Henry Fonda belonged to a bygone Hollywood era of stories and role models geared to delighting moviegoers’ curiosity.—Armond White, National Review, 4 Apr. 2025 Tweens and teens will also be able to enjoy a large catalog of titles geared toward more serious gamers.—Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gear
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English gere, from Old Norse gervi, gǫrvi; akin to Old English gearwe equipment, clothing, gearu ready — more at yare
: one of the adjustments of a transmission (as of a bicycle or motor vehicle) that determine the direction of travel and the relative speed of the engine and the vehicle
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