cog

1 of 5

noun (1)

Synonyms of cognext
1
: a tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear
2
: a subordinate but integral person or part
cogged adjective

cog

2 of 5

verb (1)

cogged; cogging

transitive verb

1
: to direct the fall of (dice) fraudulently
2
obsolete : wheedle

intransitive verb

1
obsolete : to cheat in throwing dice
2
obsolete : deceive
3
obsolete : to use venal flattery

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The most visible cog in his campaign — the use of the state’s Hope Florida charity — is the subject of a grand jury investigation. Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025 The Panthers were rebuilding their 53-man roster, and Lewis was just expected to be a cog in the machine. Mike Kaye december 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
Although second-year 7-foot sharpshooter Quinten Post and 6-foot-9 incumbent big Trayce Jackson-Davis are respectable enough as bench rotation cogs, neither has emerged as a traditional low post option capable of competing against the frontcourt trees of the Western Conference. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025 Click the Settings cog icon near your profile photo, then press Privacy & Safety > End-to-end encrypted chats. PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cog

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)

1567, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

1823, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cog was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Cog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cog. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

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

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