verb
Common
gauge
GAYJ
Gauge (verb) means to measure something precisely, especially using a dedicated instrument. Example: “Engineers gauge the thickness of the metal with a special instrument before cutting it.”
verb
1
To measure something precisely, especially using a dedicated instrument.
"Engineers gauge the thickness of the metal with a special instrument before cutting it."
"A dipstick is used to gauge the oil level in an engine."
"Rainfall was gauged using a simple collection cylinder."
2
To estimate or judge, especially something hard to measure directly, like a mood or reaction.
"Before pitching her idea, the manager tried to gauge how much the team already knew."
"She watched his face carefully to gauge his reaction to the news."
"It's difficult to gauge how the public will respond to the new policy."
noun
1
An instrument used for measuring, or the standard measurement itself (such as the thickness of wire or sheet metal, or the diameter of a shotgun barrel).
"Check the fuel gauge before you set off on a long journey."
"The pressure gauge showed the tank was almost empty."
"He bought a 12-gauge shotgun for hunting."
How to use gauge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo measure something exactly, or to judge/estimate something less exact, like a feeling or reaction.
Memory tip
As a noun it's also the name of the measuring tool itself, or the standard unit used (wire gauge, shotgun gauge, railway gauge).
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
gauge the reaction
a fuel gauge
wire gauge
gauge public opinion
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- gauges
- Past tense
- gauged
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Engineers _____ the thickness of the metal with a special instrument before cutting it.
Etymology
From Old French gauge, related to a Frankish word for a measuring rod or pole — the same root that eventually gives us "gallows" (originally a cross-beam or pole).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for gauge
See all rhymes for gauge →Frequently asked questions
What does “gauge” mean?
The word “gauge” means to measure something precisely, especially using a dedicated instrument. In plain terms, to measure something exactly, or to judge/estimate something less exact, like a feeling or reaction.
How do you pronounce “gauge”?
“Gauge” is pronounced GAYJ (/ˈɡeɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gauge” in a sentence?
Here is “gauge” used in a sentence: “A dipstick is used to gauge the oil level in an engine.”
What part of speech is “gauge”?
Depending on how it is used, “gauge” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “gauge” come from?
The word “gauge” comes from Old French. From Old French gauge, related to a Frankish word for a measuring rod or pole — the same root that eventually gives us "gallows" (originally a cross-beam or pole).
Is “gauge” a common word?
“Gauge” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gauge” have?
“Gauge” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to measure something precisely, especially using a dedicated instrument.
Is it spelled gauge or guage?
The correct spelling is gauge, with the a before the u. "Guage" is one of the most common English misspellings because the word's -au- spelling does not match its "ay" pronunciation.
What is the difference between gauge and gage?
Gauge is the standard spelling for both the verb meaning to measure or estimate and the noun meaning a measuring instrument. Gage is an accepted American variant seen mainly in technical and engineering contexts, but gauge is the safer choice in general writing.
What is the difference between gauge and measure?
Measure is the general word for finding an exact size or amount, while gauge often implies either using a dedicated instrument or estimating something that is hard to measure directly. You measure a room, but you gauge someone's mood or reaction.
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