noun
speedo
Speedo (noun) means an informal, shortened term for a speedometer, the dial that shows how fast a vehicle is going. Example: “He glanced at the speedo and eased off the accelerator.”
noun
1
An informal, shortened term for a speedometer, the dial that shows how fast a vehicle is going.
"He glanced at the speedo and eased off the accelerator."
"The speedo on this old car reads a bit high."
2
A close-fitting swimsuit, especially the brief style worn by competitive swimmers (from the brand name Speedo).
"The lifeguard wore a speedo for his training sessions."
How to use speedo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a casual word for the dashboard speed dial, or (from the brand) a tight swim brief.
Common pairings
check the speedo
wear a speedo
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Word forms
- Plural
- speedos
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He glanced at the _____ and eased off the accelerator.
Etymology
Shortened from "speedometer"; the swimwear sense comes from the Australian brand name Speedo, first used as a trademark in the 1920s.
Class of 1920
speedo joined the language around 1920.
See the full Class of 1920 →
Synonyms
View more →
swim briefs
Related words
Rhymes for speedo
See all rhymes for speedo →Frequently asked questions
What does “speedo” mean?
The word “speedo” means an informal, shortened term for a speedometer, the dial that shows how fast a vehicle is going. In plain terms, either a casual word for the dashboard speed dial, or (from the brand) a tight swim brief.
How do you use “speedo” in a sentence?
Here is “speedo” used in a sentence: “He glanced at the speedo and eased off the accelerator.”
What is another word for “speedo”?
Words with a similar meaning to “speedo” include swim briefs.
What part of speech is “speedo”?
“Speedo” is a noun.
Where does the word “speedo” come from?
The word “speedo” dates back to around 1920. Shortened from "speedometer"; the swimwear sense comes from the Australian brand name Speedo, first used as a trademark in the 1920s.
How many meanings does “speedo” have?
“Speedo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal, shortened term for a speedometer, the dial that shows how fast a vehicle is going.
