gear
GEER
/ɡɪər/
Equipment or clothing needed for a particular activity.
In adventure sports, 'gear' is a collective noun for all the technical tools (ropes, carabiners, tents) required.
The story behind the word. From the Old Norse 'gervi,' meaning 'apparel' or 'equipment.' It originally referred to the dress or equipment of a person.
Word relationships
- equipment: Equipment is more formal and can refer to large machinery; gear is more common for personal items.
- tackle: Tackle is specifically used for fishing or sports like football.
Commonly confused with
- kit: Kit is more common in British English for a set of equipment; gear is universal but very common in American English.
Collocations
- climbing gear
- camping gear
- protective gear
- shift gears
Idioms & expressions
- in high gear
- shift gears
Example sentences
- "Make sure you pack all your climbing gear before we head to the crag." Preparing for a trip.
- "The rescue team arrived with specialized gear for the mountain extraction." Describing a professional.
Memory hook
Gear: You need your GE-ar to GO. Get your gear and go.
When not to use
Avoid using it in very formal academic writing when 'equipment' or 'apparatus' would be more appropriate.
Fun facts
- The word 'gear' also refers to the toothed wheels in a machine, which comes from the idea of parts working together as a 'set' of equipment.
Related words
Explore more words
provisions, collection, ordnance, flora, quartermaster, expedition
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