Meter
UK /["/ˈmiːtə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈmiːtər/"]/
Definition
a device that measures and records the amount of electricity, gas, water, etc. that you have used or the time and distance you have travelled, etc.
In simple words: A unit for measuring length or distance.
Examples
- A man came to read the gas meter.
- The cab driver left the meter running while he waited for us.
- Installing a **smart meter** will allow you to see how much water you are using in real time.
- speedometer
- altimeter
- calorimeter
- a 50-meter swimming pool
- an athlete running at 10 meters per second
- Who holds the record in the 100 meters?
Usage notes
Commonly used in scientific and everyday contexts. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'foot' or 'inch' may be preferred.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of a 'meter' as a 'measuring meter' for distances.
Collocations
- electric
- electricity
- gas
- read
- check
- feed
- run
- tick
- reader
- reading
- maid
- electric
- electricity
- gas
- read
- check
- feed
- run
- tick
- reader
- reading
- maid
Synonyms
- measure
- unit
- yardstick
- gauge
Antonyms
- imperial unit
- non-metric system
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'metre,' the British spelling.
- Using it for weight instead of length.
- Mixing up with 'meter' in musical contexts.