high gear

noun

1
: high sense 3b
2
: a state of intense or maximum activity
—usually used with into or in
a project in high gear

Examples of high gear in a Sentence

She shifted the car into high gear.
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.
The fight has already appeared to affect the CAC’s ability to operate just as awards season kicks into high gear. — Adam B. Vary, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 With little economic data coming this week, markets will continue to monitor geopolitical news as well as a handful of quarterly financial results from Levi's, PepsiCo and Delta Air Lines before earnings season kicks into high gear next week. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 Those experiencing frequent outages hope public pressure kicks Xcel’s efforts into high gear. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2026 Many of those deals would have likely kicked into high gear in fiscal 2026, suggesting more growth in the business is to come. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for high gear

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of high gear was in 1889

Rhymes for high gear

See All Rhymes for high gear

Browse Nearby Words

high-front
high gear
High German
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“High gear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high%20gear. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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