gear Meaning & Definition
What Does Gear Mean?
Gear is a noun that means Equipment or paraphernalia, especially that used for an athletic endeavor. It is also used to mean Clothing; garments. As a verb, it means To provide with gearing; to fit with gears in order to achieve a desired gear ratio. As an adjective, it means great or fantastic.
Quick Facts About Gear
| Part of speech | noun, verb, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ɡɪə/ |
| Synonyms | pitch, paraphernalia and appurtenances |
| Plural | gears |
| Comparative / superlative | more gear, most gear |
| Verb forms | gears, gearing, geared |
Gear Definition (Noun)
- Equipment or paraphernalia, especially that used for an athletic endeavor.
- Clothing; garments.
- Goods; property; household items.
- A wheel, wheel segment, or bar with grooves (teeth) engraved on the outer circumference, such that two such devices can interlock and convey motion from one to the other.
- A particular combination or choice of interlocking gears, such that a particular gear ratio is achieved; often selected via a shifter. A configuration of the transmission of a motor car so as to achieve a particular ratio of engine to axle torque.
- A configuration of the transmission of a motor car so as to achieve a particular ratio of engine to axle torque.
- Ellipsis of landing gear.
gear-up landing
- Recreational drugs, including steroids.
getting on gear
- Stuff.
- Business matters; affairs; concern.
- Anything worthless; nonsense; rubbish.
Gear as a Verb
- To provide with gearing; to fit with gears in order to achieve a desired gear ratio.
- To be in gear, come into gear.
- To dress; to put gear on; to harness.
- To design or devise (something) so as to be suitable (for a particular type of person or a particular purpose).
This shop is not really geared towards people of our age.
- To borrow money in order to invest it in assets.
Gear as an Adjective
- great or fantastic
Noun
- A wheel with grooves (teeth) engraved on the outer circumference, such that two such devices can interlock and convey motion from one to the other; a gear wheel.
- A particular combination or choice of interlocking gears, such that a particular gear ratio is achieved.
Verb
- To be in, or come into, gear.
- (usually with to or toward(s)) To design or devise (something) so as to be suitable (for a particular type of person or a particular purpose).
They have geared the hotel mainly at tourists.
Synonyms of Gear
Gear synonyms and antonyms →Gear in a Sentence
gear-up landing
Get the gear down quick!
getting on gear
This shop is not really geared towards people of our age.
They have geared the hotel mainly at tourists.
Word Forms & Grammar
gear (countable and uncountable, plural gears)
gear (third-person singular simple present gears, present participle gearing, simple past and past participle geared)
gear (comparative more gear, superlative most gear)
Words That Rhyme With Gear
Origin of Gear
From Middle English gere, a borrowing from Old Norse gervi, from Proto-Germanic *garwijaną (“to prepare”). See also adjective yare, yar from the same root via Old English.
Common Questions About Gear
Is gear a noun or a verb?
Gear is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb and an adjective.
What is another word for gear?
Words with a similar meaning to gear include pitch, paraphernalia and appurtenances. See the full list of gear synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of gear?
The plural of gear is gears.
What is the past tense of gear?
The past tense of gear is geared. The present participle is gearing.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of gear?
The comparative form is more gear and the superlative form is most gear.