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tape measure
noun
: a narrow strip (as of a limp cloth or steel tape) marked off in units (such as inches or centimeters) for measuring
Examples of tape measure in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At the Chelsea production offices, an elevator door opened and there was Bing, magisterial in every respect: a lean, muscular hundred and forty-five pounds and, by the prop department’s tape measure, forty-two inches tall from his forepaws to the top of his skull.
—Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
One of the few differentiators among tape measures is their ability to extend without collapsing.
—Matt Jancer, WIRED, 25 Apr. 2024
There are precision screwdrivers, scissors, hex keys, pliers, connectors, a hammer, a utility knife, a tape measure, and even an assortment of wood screws.
—Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2024
This task was traditionally done with a set of plans, tape measure, and chalk line by various trades, including architects, plumbers, structural engineers, and electricians.
—Stephanie Cain, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2024
The party tried taking the bull’s measurements with a metal tape measure, but Wark wouldn’t receive the official score until October.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 11 Jan. 2024
The process involves strings and tape measures to pinpoint the exact locations, leveling tools and the like.
—Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2023
Start with a few tools on hand to ease the process: a piece of paper, pencil, and tape measure.
—Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2023
The set includes 13 matching hand tools, including a hammer, tape measure, pliers, wrench, screwdriver, utility knife, level, and hex wrench set.
—Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tape measure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1845, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near tape measure
Cite this Entry
“Tape measure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tape%20measure. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
tape measure
noun
: a tape marked off in units (as inches or centimeters) and used for measuring
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