altimeter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Specialized
Quick answer
What does “altimeter” mean?
An instrument for measuring altitude or height above a fixed level, typically used in aircraft.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An instrument for measuring altitude or height above a fixed level, typically used in aircraft.
Any device that determines elevation, including electronic, laser, or GPS-based systems used in aviation, mountaineering, and engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling, pronunciation, and minor collocational preferences (e.g., 'aeroplane' vs. 'airplane' context). The word itself is identical in function and meaning.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Equally common in aviation contexts in both regions. Rare in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “altimeter” in a Sentence
The altimeter [VERB] e.g., indicated, showed, read, failed[ADJ] altimeter e.g., digital, pressure-sensitive, primaryVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used in general business contexts. May appear in procurement or technical specifications for aviation companies.
Academic
Used in engineering, physics, aeronautics, and geology papers discussing measurement techniques.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used by hobbyist pilots, drone enthusiasts, or hikers with specialized gear.
Technical
The primary register. Essential in aviation (piloting, air traffic control, aircraft design), surveying, and some outdoor sports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “altimeter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “altimeter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “altimeter”
- Misspelling: 'altimetre' (UK spelling is still '-meter' for measuring devices).
- Pronouncing it /ˈɔːltɪmiːtə/ (confusing with 'alto').
- Using 'altimeter' to mean 'altitude' (e.g., 'The plane's altimeter was 10,000 feet' is wrong; it's 'The plane's altitude was 10,000 feet').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are related but not the same. A basic altimeter is a type of barometer calibrated to show altitude instead of pure atmospheric pressure. However, modern altimeters can use radio waves or lasers, not just air pressure.
Yes, but it will simply show the altitude of your current location above a reference point (usually sea level). Hikers and surveyors often use handheld altimeters.
The 'setting' adjusts the altimeter to account for local atmospheric pressure, ensuring it displays the correct altitude above mean sea level or ground level, which is critical for safe separation from terrain and other aircraft.
A pressure altimeter measures altitude based on atmospheric pressure. A radio (or radar) altimeter measures the actual height above the ground directly below the aircraft by timing radio wave reflections, making it vital for low-visibility landings.
An instrument for measuring altitude or height above a fixed level, typically used in aircraft.
Altimeter is usually technical/specialized in register.
Altimeter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæltɪmiːtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ælˈtɪmɪt̬ɚ/ or /ˈæltəˌmiːt̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ALTIMETER' as 'ALTItude METER' – a meter for altitude.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEIGHT IS A QUANTITY (measured by a meter). INSTRUMENTS ARE AGENTS (The altimeter *tells* you, *shows* you the height).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is an 'altimeter' LEAST likely to be used?