meter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to technical
Quick answer
What does “meter” mean?
A device that measures and records quantity, especially of a utility like electricity or water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that measures and records quantity, especially of a utility like electricity or water; a basic unit of length in the metric system.
Can refer to the rhythmic structure in poetry (metre), to a measuring instrument (e.g., parking meter), or as a verb meaning to measure or regulate by using a meter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English uses 'metre' for the unit of length and poetic rhythm. US English uses 'meter' for all senses. The verb form is 'meter' in US English (e.g., to meter electricity) but is less common in UK English, which might prefer 'measure'.
Connotations
In UK English, 'meter' primarily connotes a measuring device, while 'metre' connotes length or poetry. In US English, 'meter' is neutral across contexts.
Frequency
The spelling 'meter' is far more frequent in US English due to its coverage of all senses. In UK English, 'metre' is common for the unit of length, but 'meter' remains standard for devices.
Grammar
How to Use “meter” in a Sentence
to meter [something] (e.g., They meter the electricity supply)to be metered (e.g., The apartment is metered for gas)[Noun] + meter (e.g., speed meter, light meter)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new system will meter water usage more accurately.
- Utility companies meter gas consumption quarterly.
American English
- The apartment complex meters electricity for each unit.
- They meter the irrigation to conserve water.
adjective
British English
- Meter reading day is the first of the month.
- The meter accuracy is under review.
American English
- The meter reader came by this morning.
- We need a meter installation specialist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to utility billing devices and consumption measurement (e.g., 'The smart meter rollout is complete').
Academic
Used in scientific contexts for the SI unit of length and in literature for poetic metre.
Everyday
Commonly used for parking meters, taxi fares, and home utility meters.
Technical
Precise usage in engineering (flow meter), physics (unit), and poetry (metrical foot).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meter”
- UK: Incorrectly spelling 'parking meter' as 'parking metre'.
- US: Using 'meter' for poetic rhythm, which is correct, but sometimes confused with the unit.
- Overusing the verb form 'to meter' in general contexts where 'to measure' is better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct, but it depends on the dialect and meaning. US English uses 'meter' for all senses. UK English uses 'metre' for the unit of length and poetic rhythm, and 'meter' for a measuring device.
Yes, especially in technical or utility contexts (e.g., 'to meter electricity'). It is more common in American English.
There is no difference in meaning; it's a spelling variation. The poetic term refers to the rhythmic pattern of a verse. US spelling: meter, UK spelling: metre.
They originally measured ('metered') the amount of time paid for parking, hence the name.
A device that measures and records quantity, especially of a utility like electricity or water.
Meter is usually neutral to technical in register.
Meter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiːtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmiːt̬ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Running on empty (related to a fuel meter)”
- “The meter is running (time/money is being used up)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A METER MEasures TERribly well. Think of a MEAsuring TERminal.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASUREMENT IS CONTROL (e.g., to meter out resources); TIME IS MONEY (e.g., the taxi meter).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would a US English speaker use 'meter' but a UK English speaker might use a different spelling?