: 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
Throughout the two-day event, the best Amazon Prime Day deals for parents will include huge discounts on everything from cute fall fashion and kids’ toys to baby gear, tech, home goods, and more, starting at $4.—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 6 Oct. 2025 Those who don’t need a gear garage can opt for a 90-liter fridge box, according to the website.—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
One of the best things about this harvest decor is that it's not geared toward a specific holiday.—Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025 But as Dan Sinykin documents in Big Fiction, the system of literary production is not geared for that.—Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 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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