metre: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal for measurement; technical/literary for poetry/music.
Quick answer
What does “metre” mean?
The fundamental unit of length in the metric system, equal to 100 centimetres.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The fundamental unit of length in the metric system, equal to 100 centimetres.
A concept of rhythmic structure in poetry or music, measured by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables/beats.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'metre' is British/International English. In US English, the spelling 'meter' is used for both the unit of length and the poetic term. The US unit is defined identically to the international metre.
Connotations
For measurement, it is neutral, scientific. For poetic metre, connotations are academic and artistic.
Frequency
The measurement sense is common in scientific and everyday contexts in metric-using countries. The poetic sense is common in literary/academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “metre” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] is [NUMBER] metres long.The poem is written in [ADJECTIVE] metre.[VERB] for 50 metres.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metre” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surveyor will metre out the land precisely.
American English
- (Rare; 'meter' as verb is for measuring/allocating, e.g., 'to meter electricity')
adjective
British English
- The metre-long pipe was sufficient.
American English
- The meter-long cable was sufficient.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in specifications (e.g., 'price per square metre of office space').
Academic
Prevalent in science (physics, engineering) and literature (poetry analysis).
Everyday
Used for height, room dimensions, and fabric length in metric countries.
Technical
Precise scientific measurement; scansion in prosody.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metre”
- Misspelling 'metre' as 'meter' in British English contexts.
- Using imperial units (feet, yards) interchangeably without conversion.
- Confusing 'metre' (unit) with 'meter' (a measuring device like a gas meter).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct, but 'metre' is the British/International spelling for the unit and the poetic term. 'Meter' is the American spelling for both, and also means a measuring device (e.g., gas meter).
Spelling and regional usage. In British English, 'metre' is for length/poetry; 'meter' is a device. In American English, 'meter' covers all meanings.
Metre is the structured, repeating pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables (e.g., iambic pentameter). Rhythm is the broader, overall flow of beats and pauses, which may be less regular.
Both derive from the Greek 'metron' meaning 'measure'. One meaning specialised for measuring length, the other for measuring verse.
The fundamental unit of length in the metric system, equal to 100 centimetres.
Metre is usually neutral to formal for measurement; technical/literary for poetry/music. in register.
Metre: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiːtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmiːtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Feel the metre”
- “Stick to the metre”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A METRE is a MEasure for TERrain and poetry.
Conceptual Metaphor
LENGTH/SPACE IS A MEASURABLE CONTAINER (e.g., 'within 10 metres'); LANGUAGE/POETRY IS MUSIC (e.g., 'the metre of the verse').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a meaning of 'metre'/'meter'?