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gearbox

American  
[geer-boks] / ˈgɪərˌbɒks /
Or gear box

noun

  1. a transmission, as in an automobile.

  2. a shield or housing for gears.


gearbox British  
/ ˈɡɪəˌbɒks /

noun

  1. the metal casing within which a train of gears is sealed

  2. this metal casing and its contents, esp in a motor vehicle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of gearbox

First recorded in 1885–90; gear + box 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Understanding how this molecular gearbox works could help researchers develop ways to stop bacteria from forming biofilms, slimy communities that cause infections and contaminate medical devices.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

Interfering with molecular systems like the T9SS gearbox could also prevent bacteria from moving and from releasing harmful proteins that contribute to disease.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

Are any of the top three drivers in danger of a grid penalty for changing engine, gearbox etc?

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

The German gearbox maker’s implied fourth quarter feels relatively unambitious, they add.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

I've got a half drum of drain oil in the tractor shed that I've been meaning to trade in for some gearbox lube that Willy Simons said he'd let me have.

From Make Mine Homogenized by Freas, Kelly

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