* Noun: This is the most common use. It refers to equipment or tools used for a specific purpose.
* Example: "He packed all his camping gear."
* Verb: This is less common, but it can mean to equip or prepare someone or something.
* Example: "The team geared up for the game."
* Adjective: This is even less common, but it can be used informally to describe something as being well-equipped or prepared.
* Example: "He's a gear guy - he has the best equipment for everything."
So, the answer is that gear can be a noun, verb, or adjective, depending on the context.