Gear
/ɡɪər/
Definitions
3 meaningsEquipment or machinery, often used for a specific task.
/ɡɪər/
Equipment or apparatus used for a particular purpose.
She bought new hiking gear for her trip.
💡 Simply: Gear is like the stuff you need to do something! If you're going hiking, your gear is your boots, backpack, and water bottle. If you're riding a bike, the gear is the chain and cogs that make the wheels turn.
👶 For kids: Gear is all the things you need to play or do something, like toys or tools.
More Examples
The construction workers used heavy gear to lift the building materials.
The photographer brought all his camera gear with him to the photoshoot.
How It's Used
"The car's gear system allows it to change speeds efficiently."
"We packed all our camping gear for the weekend trip."
"The new software is compatible with the existing gear in the lab."
Clothing or personal equipment, often used in a specific context like sports or the military.
/ɡɪər/
Clothing, particularly military or specialized attire.
The firefighter donned his protective gear before entering the burning building.
💡 Simply: Think about the uniform you wear for a sport, or the clothes astronauts wear. That's gear!
👶 For kids: The clothes and stuff you wear to play a game.
More Examples
The scuba diver checked all his gear before entering the water.
She packed her gym gear in her duffel bag.
How It's Used
"The soldiers were issued new combat gear before deployment."
"The hockey player meticulously checked his protective gear."
To prepare or arrange something to achieve a certain result; to adjust (the engine of a vehicle) or to adapt (a machine or system) for a particular purpose.
/ɡɪər/
To prepare or adjust something for a particular purpose.
The engineers geared the project towards completing it on time.
💡 Simply: To get ready or adjust something. Like, you gear your car up for a road trip by packing it with everything you need!
👶 For kids: To get ready or set up something to do a job.
More Examples
She geared herself up for the marathon.
The company is gearing up for the launch of its new product.
How It's Used
"The mechanic geared the engine for maximum efficiency."
"The company geared its marketing campaign towards a younger audience."
Idioms & expressions
in gear
Active; functioning or operating effectively.
"Once the project was in gear, progress was rapid."
shift gears
To change one's approach or direction; to switch to a different activity or focus.
"After finishing the first task, she shifted gears and started on the second one."
From Old Norse *gørvi* 'equipment', 'apparel'. Related to words for 'to make' or 'prepare'.
The word "gear" has its origins in Old Norse, originally meaning "equipment" or "apparel," gradually extending its usage to machinery and preparation.
Memory tip
Think of all the things you need to go camping – that's your gear!
Word Origin
"equipment, apparel"