gear
18 synonyms and 0 antonyms for gear, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Equipment or clothing needed for a particular activity.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use gear
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English gere, borrowed from Old Norse gervi meaning "equipment" or "preparation."
Full origin of gear →Frequently asked questions
What does “gear” mean?
The word “gear” means equipment or clothing needed for a particular activity. In plain terms, equipment for a task, the toothed parts of a machine, or (as a verb) to tailor something for a specific purpose.
How do you pronounce “gear”?
“Gear” is pronounced geer (/ɡɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gear” in a sentence?
Here is “gear” used in a sentence: “He packed his camping gear into the car.”
What part of speech is “gear”?
Depending on how it is used, “gear” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gear” come from?
The word “gear” comes from Middle English. From Middle English gere, borrowed from Old Norse gervi meaning "equipment" or "preparation.".
Is “gear” a common word?
“Gear” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “gear” have?
“Gear” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: equipment or clothing needed for a particular activity.
What is the difference between gear and equipment?
The words overlap heavily and are often interchangeable. Gear is more casual and tends to include personal kit and clothing, as in hiking gear or rain gear. Equipment sounds a little more formal and can cover larger or more technical items, including machinery. You would pack your gear, but a lab is full of equipment.
What is an example of gear?
Gear is the kit for an activity. Camping gear includes a tent, sleeping bag, and stove; safety gear means a helmet, gloves, and boots; fishing gear covers rods, reels, and tackle. In each case, gear bundles together the equipment and clothing you need to take part in something.
Is gear formal or informal?
Gear is informal and conversational. It is the word you would reach for chatting about a hobby or sport, as in grab your gear, rather than in a technical manual, where equipment fits better. That casual tone is part of its appeal, making it friendly and everyday rather than stiff.
Does gear only mean equipment?
No. In this sense it means the equipment or clothing for an activity, but gear has other meanings too. In machinery it is a toothed wheel that transmits motion, and in a vehicle it refers to the settings that control speed and power, as in changing gear. Context makes the meaning clear.