gauge
Gauge (verb) means to measure something precisely, especially using a dedicated instrument. Example: “A dipstick is used to gauge the oil level in an engine.”
How to use gauge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo measure something exactly, or to judge/estimate something less exact, like a feeling or reaction.
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 ↓Word forms
gauged past tense, gauges singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A dipstick is used to _____ the oil level in an engine.
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).
Related words
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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