bearings

Noun

bearing (plural bearings)

1. A mechanical device that supports another part or reduces friction.
   • The smaller 1/4" shank version features a bearing at the top edge to limit depth of cut, making it especially useful for curved glue joints.2026 August, Collin Knoff, “Wave Reversible Glueline Bit From Microjig”, in Popular Woodworking, volume 290, number 4, page 12
2. (navigation) The horizontal angle between the direction of an object and another object, or between it and that of true north; a heading or direction.
   • This volume would have been at least twice as large, if I had not made bold to strike out innumerable passages relating to the winds and tides, as well as to the variations and bearings in the several voyages, together with the minute descriptions of the management of the ship in storms, in the...1726 October 28, Richard Sympson [pseudonym], [Jonathan Swift], Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. […] [Gulliver’s Travels], London: […] Benj[amin] Motte, […], →OCLC, (please specify...
3. (especially, in plural) One's understanding of one's orientation or relative position, literally or figuratively.
   • Do we go left here or straight on? Hold on, let me just get my bearings.
4. Relevance; a relationship or connection.
   • That has no bearing on this issue.
5. One's posture, demeanor, or manner.
   • She walks with a confident, self-assured bearing.

   Synonyms:

   presence

6. That part of any member of a building which rests upon its supports.
   • A lintel or beam may have four inches of bearing upon the wall.

See all 11 meanings of bearing