top gear

[ top geer ]

noun

1. the position or arrangement of parts in an automobile’s transmission that allows for the greatest speed and efficiency; the highest available gear in an automobile:

   The automatic transmission has six speeds, enough to furnish fast, serene cruising in top gear.

top gear

noun

1. the highest gear in a motor vehicle Often shortened totop

Word History and Origins

Origin of top gear¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in / into top gear. gear ( def 17 ).

Example Sentences

You have a segment on Top Gear called “Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car” where celebrities work the racetrack.

From The Daily Beast

It was launched around the same time as the revamped Top Gear.

From The Daily Beast

The first shot demolished the top gear of one of the ships, bringing down the men; and the other ships kept a safe distance.

From Project Gutenberg

Sky and sea alike were fiercely threatening, and the wind howled through the vessel's top gear.

From Project Gutenberg

It was for all the world like a motor car starting on bottom speed and then slipping into top gear.

From Project Gutenberg

She heard the grinding and whirring of a motor-car on its top gear approaching up the hill, and cowered away against the hedge.

From Project Gutenberg

He explained to Mr. Direck how admirably his engine would climb hills on the top gear.

From Project Gutenberg