cog

1 of 5

noun (1)

ˈkäg How to pronounce cog (audio)
Synonyms of cognext
1
: a tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear
2
: a subordinate but integral person or part
cogged
ˈkägd How to pronounce cog (audio)
adjective

cog

2 of 5

verb (1)

cogged; cogging

transitive verb

1
: to direct the fall of (dice) fraudulently
2
obsolete : wheedle

intransitive verb

1
obsolete : to cheat in throwing dice
2
obsolete : deceive
3
obsolete : to use venal flattery

cog

3 of 5

verb (2)

cogged; cogging

transitive verb

: to connect (timbers, joists, etc.) by means of mortises and tenons

cog

4 of 5

noun (2)

: a tenon on a beam or timber

cog

5 of 5

abbreviation

cognate

Examples of cog 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.
Noun
That is up to a human using the tool, which makes the person behind each prompt a crucial cog in any workflow. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 18 June 2026 Edouard Julien, a key cog in the 2023 team as a rookie, was sent to Colorado in a minor league swap. — John Shipley, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Verb
On Windows, click the Settings cog icon on the Start menu, then choose Apps. — David Nield, Popular Science, 3 May 2023 The car’s eight-speed ‘box swaps cogs without a hitch, although Porsche’s PDK feels slightly snappier. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cog

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English cogge, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish kugge cog

Verb (1)

obsolete cog a trick

Verb (2)

probably alteration of cock to cog

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1567, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

1823, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cog was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing cog

Rhymes for cog

See All Rhymes for cog

Browse Nearby Words

cofunction
cog
cog and round
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cog. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cog

noun
ˈkäg
1
: a tooth on the rim of a wheel adjusted to fit notches in another wheel or bar and to give or receive motion
2
: a person whose job is of low rank but still important

More from Merriam-Webster on cog

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cog

Nglish: Translation of cog for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cog

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