plural noun
Directions measured from fixed points, usually with a compass, used to find or reach something.
The sailors checked their bearings before entering the harbor.
The navigator recorded three bearings from the hill.
American English
How to pronounce bearings
nounB2Common word
BEHRihngz
/ˈbɛɹ.ɪŋz/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of bearing
For a person's manner or the relevance of something, English usually uses singular bearing. Bearings is mainly used for directions, a person's orientation, and machine parts.
Directions measured from fixed points, usually with a compass, used to find or reach something.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
plural noun
A person's sense of where they are and what they should do, especially in an unfamiliar place or situation.
After leaving the station, we quickly lost our bearings.
Give me a moment to get my bearings in this new office.
Good to know
Bearings is normally plural in the expressions get your bearings, find your bearings, and lose your bearings.
plural noun
Machine parts that let moving parts turn smoothly against one another.
The bicycle needs new bearings in both wheels.
The mechanic replaced the worn bearings in the motor.
Useful expressions
to become familiar with where you are and what you should do
I need a minute to get my bearings.
to have no effect on or connection with something
That detail has no bearing on our decision.
remembering or considering something
Bearing in mind the traffic, we left early.