less common spelling of gauge
1a
: a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or system: such as
(1)
: the distance between the rails of a railroad
(2)
: the size of a shotgun barrel's inner diameter nominally expressed as the number of lead balls each just fitting that diameter required to make a pound
a 12-gauge shotgun
(3)
: the thickness of a thin material (such as sheet metal or plastic film)
(4)
: the diameter of a slender object (such as wire or a hypodermic needle)
(5)
: the fineness of a knitted fabric expressed by the number of loops per unit width
b
: dimensions, size
c
: measure sense 1
surveys are a gauge of public sentiment
2
: an instrument for or a means of measuring or testing: such as
a
: an instrument for measuring a dimension or for testing mechanical accuracy
b
: an instrument with a graduated (see graduate entry 1 sense transitive 2a) scale or dial for measuring or indicating quantity
3
: relative position of a ship with reference to another ship and the wind
4
: a function introduced into a field equation to produce a convenient form of the equation but having no observable physical consequences
gage
noun (2)Definition of gage (Entry 2 of 5)
1
: a token of defiance
specifically
: a glove or cap cast on the ground to be taken up by an opponent as a pledge of combat
2
: something deposited as a pledge of performance
gage
verb
gaged; gaging; gages
Definition of gage (Entry 3 of 5)
gage
noun (3)Definition of gage (Entry 4 of 5)
Gage
biographical nameDefinition of Gage (Entry 5 of 5)
Thomas 1721–1787 British general and colonial governor in America
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
The Exceptions Quiz III
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share gage
Time Traveler for gage
The first known use of gage was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century