Word
gearbox
Phoneticsgear·box, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɪɹˌbɑks/
UK/ɡˈiəbɒks/
Countable noun Engineering
Definition
n. the part of a vehicle or machine that contains the gears. It helps control how much power goes from the engine to the wheels.
n. a set of gears with its casing, especially in a motor vehicle, which transmits power from the engine to the axle. Often used to describe the entire transmission system in automotive contexts.
Examples
“The car needs a new gearbox because it won't shift into reverse.”
“Modern automatic gearboxes use complex sensors to decide exactly when to change gears for the best fuel efficiency.”
“The engineer noted that the high-torque requirements of the industrial drill necessitated a reinforced gearbox to prevent the internal teeth from shearing under heavy load.”
Examples
simple
“The car needs a new gearbox because it won't shift into reverse.”
contextual
“Modern automatic gearboxes use complex sensors to decide exactly when to change gears for the best fuel efficiency.”
complex
“The engineer noted that the high-torque requirements of the industrial drill necessitated a reinforced gearbox to prevent the internal teeth from shearing under heavy load.”
Usage
Commonly used in British English; American English often prefers the term 'transmission'.
Etymology
From gear + box.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/gearbox