: 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
With discounts on women’s apparel from versatile workout gear to breezy sundresses and comfy intimates, these deals are too good to miss.—Caitlyn Martyn
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025 Best Athleta Deals Athleta never fails me during a sweat sesh, but its sale section is always loaded with much more than just workout gear.—Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Verb
All five companies' rockets are currently gearing their efforts toward the small satellite launch market.—ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025 The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, geared toward fostering international cooperation in space, has been meeting annually since 1959.—Dan Falk, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 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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