Dictionary
1gear
noun \ˈgir\
: supplies, tools, or clothes needed for a special purpose
: a toothed wheel in a machine
: a part that connects the engine of a vehicle or the pedals of a bicycle to the wheels and controls the speed at which the wheels turn
Full Definition of GEAR
2
: equipment, paraphernalia <fishing gear>
3
a : the rigging of a ship or boat b : the harness especially of horses
4
dial chiefly British : absurd talk : nonsense
5
dial chiefly British : doings
6
a (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·less \-ləs\ adjective
See gear defined for English-language learners
See gear defined for kids
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Origin of GEAR
Middle English gere, from Old Norse gervi, gǫrvi; akin to Old English gearwe equipment, clothing, gearu ready — more at yare
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to GEAR
- Synonyms
- accoutrements (or accouterments), apparatus, equipment, hardware, kit [chiefly British], material(s), matériel (or materiel), outfit, paraphernalia, stuff, tackle
2gear
verb
: to make (something) suitable for a particular use or type of person
Full Definition of GEAR
transitive verb
1
a : to provide (as machinery) with gearing b : to connect by gearing
2
a : to make ready for effective operation b : to adjust so as to match, blend with, or satisfy something <gearing wages to productivity>
intransitive verb
2
: to become adjusted so as to match, blend, or harmonize
See gear defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GEAR
1851
GEAR Defined for Kids
1gear
noun \ˈgir\
Definition of GEAR for Kids
1
: equipment <camping gear>
2
: a group of parts that has a specific function in a machine <steering gear>
3
: a toothed wheel : cogwheel
4
: the position the gears of a machine are in when they are ready to work <in gear>
5
: one of the adjustments in a motor vehicle that determine the direction of travel and the relative speed between the engine and the motion of the vehicle <reverse gear>
6
: working order or condition <He got his career in gear.>
2gear
verb
gearedgear·ing
Definition of GEAR for Kids
1
: to make ready for operation <We need to gear up for production.>
2
: to be or make suitable <The book is geared to children.>
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