1. one’s sense of direction or position relative to surroundings
2. mechanical parts that allow rotation or movement between machine components
Usage: technical
3. the direction or angle of something relative to a reference point
Usage: navigation; surveying

Examples

• After wandering in the forest for hours, she completely lost her bearings.
• The compass helped him get his bearings and find the trail again.
• The mechanic replaced the worn ball bearings in the engine.
• The ship’s captain took a bearing on the lighthouse to determine their position.
• The surveyor measured the bearing from the property corner to the oak tree.
• Despite the chaos around him, he maintained his dignified bearings.
• The wheel bearings need to be greased regularly to prevent damage.