gearbox

noun

gear·​box ˈgir-ˌbäks How to pronounce gearbox (audio)
1
: gearing sense 2
2
: transmission sense 3

Examples of gearbox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That motor is paired with a six‑speed gearbox and a multidisc oil‑bath clutch. — Bultaco, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026 There are plenty of Ostalgie museums in today’s united Germany, furnished with memorabilia of the German Democratic Republic, from twigs of barbed wire to Trabant gearboxes. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026 My zero-mile review Slingshot came with a five-speed manual gearbox (highly recommended), but an auto with paddle shifters is also available. — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 In more aggressive settings, shifts can get a bit abrupt, but the gearbox’s general demeanor is that of quick-shifting capability that plays nicely with the hybrid power train. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gearbox

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gearbox was in 1887

Rhymes for gearbox

See All Rhymes for gearbox

Browse Nearby Words

gear
gearbox
gearchange
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gearbox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gearbox. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gist

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All