cog
1 synonym for cog, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tooth on a gear wheel, or the wheel itself.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cog
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a cog in the machine
cog in the wheel
cogwheel
Etymology
From Middle English cogge, probably from Old Norse, related to a word for a lump or swelling — the sense of "gear tooth" likely comes from the tooth's rounded shape.
Full origin of cog →Frequently asked questions
What does “cog” mean?
The word “cog” means a tooth on a gear wheel, or the wheel itself. In plain terms, literally a gear tooth; figuratively, a small, replaceable part of something much larger.
How do you pronounce “cog”?
“Cog” is pronounced kog (/kɔɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cog” in a sentence?
Here is “cog” used in a sentence: “One of the cogs had worn down and the machine kept jamming.”
What part of speech is “cog”?
“Cog” is a noun.
Where does the word “cog” come from?
The word “cog” comes from Middle English. From Middle English cogge, probably from Old Norse, related to a word for a lump or swelling — the sense of "gear tooth" likely comes from the tooth's rounded shape.
How many meanings does “cog” have?
“Cog” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tooth on a gear wheel, or the wheel itself.
