worm gear

noun

1
: worm wheel
2
: a gear of a worm and a worm wheel working together

Illustration of worm gear

Illustration of worm gear
  • worm gear 2

Examples of worm gear 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.
For free, dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary. — Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024 If your car was recalled, a dealer will replace the worm gear spring free of charge to resolve the steering problem. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of worm gear was in 1851

Rhymes for worm gear

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Cite this Entry

“Worm gear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worm%20gear. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

worm gear

noun
: a mechanical linkage consisting of a short rotating screw whose threads fit together with the teeth of a gearwheel

More from Merriam-Webster on worm gear

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about worm gear

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