The Open Dictionary

gear

noun

UK/ɡɪəʳ/
US/ɡɪr/

Definitions of gear noun

machine

  1. B2CountableUncountable

    A device consisting of interlocking toothed wheels that control the power transmission from an engine to the moving components of a machine.

    • Is your car a four-speed or a five-speed manual?

    • I couldn't engage the reverse gear.

    • The car should be in gear, ready to move.

equipment

  1. B2Uncountable

    The equipment, attire, and other items needed for a specific activity.

    • Camping and hiking gear

    • Police wearing protective gear arrived to control the protestors.

clothing

  1. B2informal

    Clothing items or attire.

    • Her clothing is always on the cutting edge of fashion.

substance

  1. Uncountableslang

    Illegal drugs.

    • The drug dealers knew there would always be someone to transport the illegal substances.

Idioms

  • step/move up a gear

    To begin performing at a noticeably higher level, especially in sports.

    • In the final minutes of the game, the team suddenly moved up a gear and managed to turn the tables.

  • change/shift/switch gear

    To change the gear in a vehicle to increase or decrease speed.

    • He had to change gear to get more power while going uphill.

  • be in/go into high gear

    To become very active, excited, or productive.

    • With the launch of the new product, the company's marketing department went into high gear.

Phrasal Verbs of gear

  • gear something to/towards someone/something

    to arrange or adapt an item or plan to fulfill the needs of a specific purpose, context, or group.

    • The software is geared towards meeting the needs of high school students.

  • gear (someone/something) up

    to get ready for an upcoming task or activity, or to make someone ready for it

    • We need to gear up for all the preparations before the party.