Meter vs Metre
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Meter | Metre | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A unit for measuring length or distance. | A unit of length in the metric system, equal to 100 centimeters. |
| CEFR level | C1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in scientific and everyday contexts. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'foot' or 'inch' may be preferred. | Used in scientific contexts and for measuring distances. Not commonly used in informal language. In the US, 'meter' is more common. |
Frequently asked questions: Meter vs Metre
What's the difference between "Meter" and "Metre"?
"Meter" means: A unit for measuring length or distance. "Metre" means: A unit of length in the metric system, equal to 100 centimeters.
When should I use "Meter" and "Metre"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Meter" and "Metre" the same CEFR level?
"Meter" is at C1, "Metre" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.