Definition of gear
(Entry 1 of 2)
2
: equipment, paraphernalia
fishing gear
3a
: the rigging of a ship or boat
b
: the harness especially of horses
6a(1)
: 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
gear
verb
geared; gearing; gears
Definition of gear (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: to provide (machinery) with gearing (see gearing sense 2)
b
: to connect by gearing (see gearing sense 1)
2a
: to make ready for effective operation
b
: to adjust so as to match, blend with, or satisfy something
gearing wages to productivity
b
: shift sense 1c
gear down
2
: to become adjusted so as to match, blend, or harmonize
The industry is geared to meet growing consumer demand.
Buying Guide
Our Reviews team has selected the best commuter bikes.
Test Your Vocabulary
Eponyms: Words Named After People
-
- What is the best definition of boycott?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share gear
Time Traveler for gear
The first known use of gear was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century