gear up

verb

geared up; gearing up; gears up

intransitive verb

: to get ready
are gearing up for the big game

Examples of gear up 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.
As both parties gear up for the 2028 elections and midterms, the episode underscores how viral moments and digital tactics could potentially shape perceptions of political leadership in the United States. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 Run by Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux, the event is gearing up for its 17th edition, with Michael Mann set to receive the festival’s Lumière Award for his body of work. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025 SpaceX is continuing to gear up for the next flight of its Starship megarocket, which may be just around the corner. Mike Wall, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025 Many have physical and mental trauma from participating in combat, and Ukrainians are gearing up to tackle the issue of how to support them. Claire Harbage, NPR, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gear up

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gear up was in 1943

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gear up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gear%20up. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gear up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!