speedometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Technical
Quick answer
What does “speedometer” mean?
A device in a vehicle that measures and displays the vehicle's current speed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device in a vehicle that measures and displays the vehicle's current speed.
Any instrument for measuring speed, though predominantly associated with vehicles (cars, motorcycles, bicycles). Historically, could refer to a device for measuring rotational speed (tachometer).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is identical in form and meaning. Minor differences may exist in colloquial terms: Brits might say "speedo" more casually, while Americans may equally say "speedo" or just refer to "the speed gauge". The spelling is consistent.
Connotations
No significant connotational differences. In both dialects, it is a standard, functional term.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. No notable frequency disparity.
Grammar
How to Use “speedometer” in a Sentence
The speedometer shows [NUMBER/SPEED]According to the speedometerThe needle on the speedometer [VERB]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speedometer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mechanic will speedometer the new system. (INVALID - not a verb)
American English
- They tried to speedometer the test vehicle. (INVALID - not a verb)
adverb
British English
- He drove speedometrically. (EXTREMELY RARE/NON-STANDARD)
adjective
British English
- The speedometer reading was crucial. (noun used attributively)
American English
- A speedometer malfunction caused the recall. (noun used attributively)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in automotive retail or manufacturing contexts (e.g., "The model features a new heads-up display speedometer").
Academic
Rare outside of engineering or physics texts related to measurement.
Everyday
Common in general conversation about driving, vehicles, and travel.
Technical
Standard term in automotive engineering, mechanics, and vehicle documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “speedometer”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “speedometer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speedometer”
- Misspelling: 'speedmeter', 'speedometre' (British spelling still uses '-meter' for this device).
- Confusing it with the odometer (which shows total distance travelled).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the word is identical in spelling, meaning, and usage in both major dialects.
A speedometer shows current speed (e.g., 50 mph). An odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has travelled (e.g., 75,000 miles).
Yes, bicycle speedometers are common. They are usually small, wireless devices that attach to the wheel and handlebars.
No. While British English uses '-metre' for units of length (metre), the device is always spelled 'speedometer' (with '-meter') in both British and American English.
A device in a vehicle that measures and displays the vehicle's current speed.
Speedometer is usually neutral to technical in register.
Speedometer: in British English it is pronounced /spiːˈdɒm.ɪ.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /spiːˈdɑː.mə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SPEED-O-METER. You METER (measure) your SPEED while you GO (the 'o' sound) in your vehicle.
Conceptual Metaphor
The eye of the driver (providing vision/awareness of an essential state).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a speedometer?