: 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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Just last year, Ford had to recall 2.9 million vehicles, including roughly 1.7 million 2013-2019 Escape models, due to an issue with the vehicle being unable to shift into the correct gear, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.—Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2023 Fisheries and Oceans Canada confirmed the gear was from a fishing area off Nova Scotia, reported missing by the lobsterman as required by Canadian rules.—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2023 As the war approaches its first anniversary, that same gear is still easy to find at a range of retailers in Moscow.—Alistair Macdonald And Kate Vtorygina, WSJ, 14 Feb. 2023 Burton's gear is high-quality, reliable and fashionable.—Good Housekeeping, 14 Feb. 2023 Snorkeling gear is available to explore the nearby ancient rock formations around Monkey Point.—Jordi Lippe-mcgraw, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2023 Third gear is good to 99 mph, so the Trans Am doesn't want fourth until just after a quarter-mile of pavement has been inhaled.—Larry Griffin, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023 Their gear is durable, reliable, eco-friendly, and looks great, too.—Mike Richard, Men's Health, 17 Jan. 2023 Another gear essential to pack is a compact shovel for underground edibles like wild potatoes, leeks and burdock root.—Mallory Arnold, Outside Online, 11 Jan. 2023
Verb
These reactions, which also occurred in the fed mice but not in the fasted mice, suggest that the sight and smell of food alone is enough to trigger POMC neurons in the brain and gear the liver up for calories, nutrients and satiation.—Amber Jorgenson, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2018 Porsche's quick-acting eight-speed automatic transmission handles gear changes for both drivetrains.—Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, 4 Feb. 2023 Nestled between a mountain and river, the all-inclusive provides ski-in and ski-out access to the slopes and delivers gear to your on-site snow locker.—Karen Cicero, Good Housekeeping, 1 Feb. 2023 Two thick straps wrap the bag to cinch gear down tightly, and the zippers are lockable for safety.—Katie Kommer, Popular Mechanics, 23 Jan. 2023 The best workout clothes and gear on the market combine technical specs with a nod to fashionable aesthetics.—Ebenezer Samuel, Men's Health, 16 Jan. 2023 Either way, the fabric should be tough enough to protect the workout clothes and gear within.—Christian Gollayan, Men's Health, 7 Nov. 2022 As with most outdoor kids gear, your results may vary, but my experiences with the Shotgun Child Seat + Handlebars thus far have been extremely positive.—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2022 There is also a garage aft near the sunbed that can house water toys, gear and even a small dinghy.—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2022 See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gear.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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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