cog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (literal sense); Figurative (metaphorical sense)
Quick answer
What does “cog” mean?
A projecting part on a wheel or gear that transmits motion by engaging with another toothed part.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A projecting part on a wheel or gear that transmits motion by engaging with another toothed part.
An individual, especially a person, regarded as having a minor or subordinate role within a large system or organisation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are virtually identical. The term is equally low-frequency in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally negative or neutral depending on context in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both; slightly more likely in technical/engineering contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cog” in a Sentence
[be] a cog in [noun phrase (machine/wheel)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mechanism is designed to cog precisely with the drive shaft.
American English
- These gears need to cog together smoothly for the system to work.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no examples)
American English
- (Not standard; no examples)
adjective
British English
- (Rare, technical) The cog wheel was damaged.
American English
- (Rare, technical) They inspected the cog mechanism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe a replaceable employee in a large corporation.
Academic
Rare; might appear in sociology or critical theory discussing dehumanising systems.
Everyday
Mostly in the fixed idiom 'a cog in the machine'.
Technical
Standard term in engineering and mechanics for a gear tooth.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cog”
- Using 'cog' to refer to a whole gear (it's specifically the tooth). Confusing 'cog' with 'cogwheel' (which is the entire wheel).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its metaphorical sense ('a cog in the machine'), it often carries a negative connotation of being insignificant, replaceable, or dehumanised within a large system.
Yes, but it's highly technical and rare. It means for gear teeth to mesh or engage correctly.
Technically, a cog is one of the teeth on a gear or wheel. In everyday language, 'cog' is often used synonymously with 'gear' or 'cogwheel'.
Yes, it is equally common and understood in both varieties. The alternative 'cog in the wheel' is also used.
A projecting part on a wheel or gear that transmits motion by engaging with another toothed part.
Cog is usually technical (literal sense); figurative (metaphorical sense) in register.
Cog: in British English it is pronounced /kɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a cog in the machine/wheel”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COG as a COmponent Gear.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE PARTS OF MACHINES (in the metaphorical sense).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common metaphorical use of 'cog'?