Meter: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to measure and display quantities like electricity, water, or gas consumption.

• The electric meter showed how much power we used last month
• The water meter is located in the basement

Refers to a device used to measure pressure, thickness, or the level of something, often used in machinery and instruments.

• Check the tire pressure with a gauge
• The fuel gauge indicates there is only half a tank left

Describes the general act of determining quantity, size, or degree using instruments or standard units.

• It's important to measure the ingredients accurately when baking
• Scientists measure temperature using various scales

Used to show a condition or trend, often as a part of a dashboard or a device.

• The speedometer is an important indicator of driving speed
• Economic indicators suggest growth in the next quarter

Used in poetry and music to describe the structured pattern of beats and accents.

• The poem has a complex meter that gives it a unique flow.
• Understanding the meter of this song helps break down its rhythm.

Describes the overall flow of music or words, including the pattern of beats, stresses, and pauses.

• She danced gracefully to the rhythm of the music.
• The rhythm of the poem carried the reader through each stanza.

Refers to the basic unit of time in music, the consistent pulse you can tap along to.

• The drummer set a steady beat that everyone could follow.
• Feel the beat and move your body to the music.

Often used to describe the rising and falling pitch in language or music, giving a sense of resolution or pause.

• The cadence of his speech held the audience's attention.
• This piece ends with a beautifully resolved cadence.

Mostly used to describe a device that measures and records the amount of something, or as a unit of length in the metric system.

• The gas meter shows how much gas has been used
• The distance between the two points is measured in meters

Used to determine the size, amount, or degree of something, often without the use of a specialized instrument.

• I need to measure the length of the table
• It's important to measure the ingredients accurately for this recipe

Often used for instruments that measure the size, amount, or degree of something, typically showing it on a dial or display.

• The fuel gauge indicates that the tank is half full
• The pressure gauge shows that the pressure is within the safe range

Used to express or measure the quantity of something, typically in more scientific or statistical contexts.

• Scientists need to quantify the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
• It is difficult to quantify the effects of the new policy