Cogs: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe individual, small parts of a complex machine or system, often metaphorically referring to people or small components within a larger organization.

• In our company, each employee is an important cog in the machine.
• The factory’s machinery relies on thousands of tiny cogs working perfectly together.

Refers to the mechanical parts that work together to change speed or direction in machines; can also metaphorically describe stages or levels of activity.

• The car's gears shifted smoothly as we accelerated.
• We need to shift gears if we want to meet the deadline.

Specifically pertains to the teeth or projections on the edge of a wheel that engage with a chain or track, mostly in bicycles or motorcycles.

• The bike's sprockets were worn out and needed replacement.
• Make sure the chain is properly aligned with the sprockets.

Generally used for circular components that rotate and are commonly found in vehicles or machinery; also used in idiomatic expressions.

• The wheels of the car need regular maintenance.
• Innovation is the wheel driving progress in technology.

Use 'cogs' when referring to employees or workers as small, insignificant parts of a larger system, often in a negative or dehumanizing way.

• In this massive corporation, we are all just cogs in the machine
• He felt like a cog, easily replaceable and undervalued

Use 'workers' when referring to people engaging in physical labor or blue-collar jobs, although it can also be used more broadly for any working individuals.

• The factory workers protested for better wages
• Many workers commute long distances to get to their jobs

Use 'employees' in a formal or neutral context when referring to people who work for a company or organization.

• The company has over 200 employees worldwide
• Our employees are entitled to health benefits and paid vacations

Use 'staff' when referring to a group of employees working under a common structure or organization, often used in the context of office, hospital, or educational environments.

• The hospital staff worked tirelessly during the pandemic
• The office staff was preparing for the annual meeting