verb
gauge
GAYJ
verb
1
To measure something precisely, especially using a dedicated instrument.
"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.
"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).
"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 ↓
Common pairings
gauge the reaction
a fuel gauge
wire gauge
gauge public opinion
Word Forms
gauged past tense, gauges singular
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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).