WordGarden.iogear
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈiə/
US
- /ˈɡɪr/
Meanings
Noun
equipment, clothing, or supplies used for an activity
a toothed wheel or transmission setting in a machine
clothes or an outfit, especially casual or distinctive clothing
More meaningsFewer meanings
(slang)illegal drugs or controlled substances
Verb
to design, adjust, or direct something for a particular purpose
to prepare for an activity or situation
Beyond the definition
"Gear" does not only belong to the world of machines. It can mean the toothed parts inside a machine that help move power, like the parts in a bike or a car. More often, it means the equipment you need for a certain activity, such as hiking gear, fishing gear, or camera gear. It can also mean clothing, especially clothes worn for a purpose, like sports gear or winter gear. In everyday speech, people also say someone is "in high gear" when they are working very fast, or "gearing up" when they are getting ready for something important.
The word "gear" has evolved from its mechanical roots to encompass a wide range of equipment, clothing, and even states of readiness. At its core, it refers to toothed wheels—often called gears—that work together to transmit force and motion within a machine. You'll frequently encounter this when discussing vehicles; for instance, a driver might "shift gears" to adjust to a change in speed.
Beyond mechanics, "gear" functions as a versatile collective noun for the set of tools or equipment required for a particular task. This spans everything from specialized climbing gear (like ropes and harnesses) to simple camping gear (like tents and sleeping bags). Interestingly, "gear" can also refer to clothing. While this was historically used for a soldier's uniform, it remains a common informal term today for stylish outfits or specialized athletic apparel.
Figuratively, "gear" describes a person's level of energy or their mental state. To be "in high gear" is to be performing with maximum momentum, while "gearing up" is a common phrasal verb meaning to prepare yourself for an upcoming event or challenge. Whether you are talking about the inner workings of a watch, the supplies in your backpack, or your readiness for a big project, "gear" represents the essential components and the drive needed to get things moving.
Examples
- 1
Camping equipment
We packed our camping gear the night before the trip.
- 2
Protective equipment
The workers put on safety gear before entering the lab.
- 3
Camera equipment
She keeps all her camera gear in one backpack.
- 4
Driving position
Make sure the car is not in gear before you start it.
- Phrasein gear
in a driving position, not neutral
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Car control
On the steep hill, I shifted into a lower gear.
- 6
Busy workplace
By December, the whole office is in high gear.
- Phrasein high gear
working very fast and actively
- 7
Launch preparation
The team is gearing up for the product launch.
- Patterngear up for + event
prepare actively for it
- 8
Target audience
The course is geared toward people with no experience.
- Patterngeared toward + group/purpose
designed for that group or purpose
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- gearnounverb
Forms
- gearspluralnounverb
- gearedpast tenseverbnoun
- gearing-ing formverbnoun