gas meter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, leaning technical/everyday
Quick answer
What does “gas meter” mean?
A device that measures the volume of gas (especially natural gas) consumed in a building, typically for billing purposes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that measures the volume of gas (especially natural gas) consumed in a building, typically for billing purposes.
Any meter used to measure the flow of gas; can refer to industrial or residential devices. In some contexts, 'gas' can colloquially refer to gasoline, but 'gas meter' is almost exclusively for gaseous fuel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Meaning is identical. However, 'gas' in the UK primarily refers to mains/utility gas (natural gas). In the US, 'gas' more commonly means gasoline (petrol), but 'gas meter' is unambiguous for natural gas.
Connotations
None beyond the functional object.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to the near-ubiquity of gas central heating and gas meters in homes.
Grammar
How to Use “gas meter” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] gas meter is [LOCATION].[VERB] the gas meter [for PURPOSE].The reading [on/from] the gas meter.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gas meter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineer will meter the gas supply.
- The new system smart-meters consumption.
American English
- The utility company meters the gas usage.
- The device effectively meters flow.
adjective
British English
- We need a meter reading.
- There's a meter-reading appointment tomorrow.
American English
- The meter box is outside.
- Call for meter service.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In utility billing and customer service.
Academic
In engineering texts on measurement or domestic energy systems.
Everyday
Discussions about household bills, moving house, or meter readings.
Technical
Specifications for diaphragm, rotary, or ultrasonic gas meters in industrial settings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gas meter”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gas meter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gas meter”
- *'He checked the gasoline meter.' (Incorrect for household utility).
- Incorrect plural: *'gases meters' (correct: gas meters).
- Confusing 'meter' (device) with 'metre' (unit of length).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are different devices measuring different utilities. A gas meter measures cubic feet or cubic metres of gas, while an electricity meter measures kilowatt-hours of electricity.
In the UK, it's often under the stairs, in a kitchen cupboard, or in an outside meter box. In the US, it's typically outside the house or in the basement.
It means to look at the numbers/dials on the meter and record the current measurement of gas used. This reading is used to calculate your bill.
No. Gas meter installation and relocation must be performed by a qualified, certified engineer from the gas network or a registered gas safe installer due to severe safety risks.
A device that measures the volume of gas (especially natural gas) consumed in a building, typically for billing purposes.
Gas meter is usually neutral, leaning technical/everyday in register.
Gas meter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs ˌmiːtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs ˌmiːt̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run out of gas (different meaning)”
- “step on the gas (different meaning)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GAS = what you burn for heat; METER = what you measure it with. Just like a parking meter measures time, a gas meter measures gas.
Conceptual Metaphor
METER AS A WATCHER/TELLER (it 'watches' and 'tells' you how much you've used).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter a 'gas meter'?