Definition of measure
1a (1) : an adequate or due portion all too few of the British actresses … have received their measure of remembrance — Saturday Review (2) : a moderate degree; also : moderation, temperance (3) : a fixed or suitable limit : bounds rich beyond measureb : the dimensions, capacity, or amount of something ascertained by measuring took his measure for a coatc : an estimate of what is to be expected (as of a person or situation) the measure of their tragedy is now beyond our imagination — G. F. Kennand (1) : a measured quantity (2) : amount, degree giving children a greater measure of freedom
2a : an instrument (such as a yardstick) or utensil (such as a graduated cup) for measuringb (1) : a standard or unit of measurement — see weight table (2) : a system of standard units of measure metric measure
3 : the act or process of measuring settled by a measure made by a surveyor
4a (1) : melody, tune (2) : dance; especially : a slow and stately danceb : rhythmic structure or movement : cadence: such as (1) : poetic rhythm measured by temporal (see 1temporal 3) quantity or accent; specifically : meter (2) : musical timec (1) : a grouping of a specified number of musical beats located between two consecutive vertical lines on a staff (2) : a metrical unit : foot
5 : an exact divisor of a number 6 being the greatest common measure of 42 and 12
6 : a basis or standard of comparison wealth is not a measure of happiness
7 : a step planned or taken as a means to an end took strong measures against the rebels; specifically : a proposed legislative act sponsored an anti-inflation measure in the senate
for good measure
: in addition to the minimum required : as an extra added another illustration for good measure
Read the Latest from M-W
Examples of measure in a Sentence
She felt equal measures of hope and fear.
Their actions were motivated in large measure by a desire for revenge.
An occasion like this calls for some measure of decorum.
The meter is a measure of length.
The dictionary includes a table of weights and measures.
The legislature has passed a measure aimed at protecting consumers.
The governor has proposed a number of cost-cutting measures.
They were forced to resort to desperate measures.
We need to take measures to protect ourselves.
Recent Examples of measure from the Web
-
All of these raise yet again the issue of the ECJ, which has jurisdiction over data-sharing and various justice and home-affairs measures, including the European arrest warrant.
-
But in the immediate future the GOP measure is a budget buster.
-
Pedal pushers were still trying to decide whether Oregon’s tax measure signaled a potentially positive development or a setback in the continuing culture clash between bikers and cars.
-
In their absence, a Los Angeles civil rights lawyer, Nana Gyamfi, has emerged as the leading critic of the disciplinary measures taken against the students.
-
But now, couples are taking legal measures to create their own familial identities.
-
Price’s comments come as state Rep. Ramon Romero, D-Fort Worth, works to try to repeal the sanctuary cities measure.
-
This Brotherhood scene with the Hound, Beric, and Thoros is a perfect example of moving players around on the board with some measure of grace.
-
This Brotherhood scene with the Hound, Beric, and Thoros is a perfect example of moving players around on the board with some measure of grace.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'measure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of measure
Middle English mesure, from Anglo-French, from Latin mensura, from mensus, past participle of metiri to measure; akin to Old English mǣth measure, Greek metron
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
measure
Definition of measure
measured
;measuring
play \ˈme-zhə-riŋ, ˈmā-; ˈmezh-riŋ, ˈmāzh-\transitive verb
1a : to choose or control with cautious restraint : regulate measure his actsb : to regulate by a standard : govern
2 : to allot or apportion in measured amounts measure out three cups
3 : to lay off by making measurements
4 : to ascertain the measurements of
5 : to estimate or appraise by a criterion measures his skill against his rival
6 archaic : to travel over : traverse
7 : to serve as a means of measuring a thermometer measures temperature
intransitive verb
1 : to take or make a measurement
Examples of measure in a Sentence
using a ruler to measure a piece of paper
an instrument for measuring air pressure
mental abilities measured by IQ testing
He's being measured for a new suit.
His success cannot be measured solely on the basis of his popularity.
The cloth measures 3 meters.
The room measures 15 feet wide by 30 feet long.
Recent Examples of measure from the Web
-
In an effort to better measure business satisfaction and the city’s growth, Glendale officials recently created a team tasked with block-by-block outreach of the city’s businesses.
-
Everything was even measured out exactly to the book's instructions.
-
The physical footprint and weight of each speaker were measured in order to factor in the portability.
-
Verve Coffee Roasters While the Santa Cruz native has several L.A. locations, none measures up to the Spring Street flagship.
-
Lay out the canopy, and measure out enough trim to stretch the length of both sides and around the hoop. 2.
-
Earlier that morning, court documents show, Floyd was measured for high alcohol levels during standard, third-party testing.
-
With MLB scouts and their radar guns providing the backdrop behind the backstop, Crouse’s fastball usually was measured at 93-96 mph.
-
Then, once the food is measured out, the page can be rolled up and placed in the oven to cook.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'measure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of measure
see 1measure
MEASURE Defined for English Language Learners
measure
playDefinition of measure for English Language Learners
-
: an amount or degree of something
-
: something (such as a cup or a ruler) that is used to measure things
-
: a unit used in measuring something
measure
Definition of measure for English Language Learners
-
: to find out the size, length, or amount of (something)
-
: to find out the size of (someone) for clothing
-
: to judge the importance, value, or extent of (something)
MEASURE Defined for Kids
Definition of measure for Students
1 : extent 2, degree, amount Our plan did succeed in large measure.
2 : the size, capacity, or quantity of something that has been determined Use equal measures of flour and milk.
3 : something (as a yardstick or cup) used in determining size, capacity, or quantity
4 : a unit used in determining size, capacity, or quantity An inch is a measure of length.
5 : a system of determining size, capacity, or quantity liquid measure
6 : the notes and rests between bar lines on a musical staff
7 : a way of accomplishing something a safety measure The new law is a measure to save energy.
for good measure
: as something added or extra We gave the wall another coat of paint for good measure.
Definition of measure for Students
measured
;measuring
1 : to find out the size, extent, or amount of You should measure the cloth before cutting.
2 : to separate out a fixed amount She measured the rice.
3 : 1estimate I had to measure the distance with my eye.
4 : to bring into comparison Why don't you measure your skill against mine?
5 : to give a determination of size, capacity, or quantity : indicate A thermometer measures temperature.
6 : to have as its size, capacity, or quantity The cloth measures ten meters.
measure up
: to satisfy needs or requirements They did not measure up to expectations.
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of measure
1: an instrument or utensil for measuring
2: a standard or unit of measurement; also : a system of such measures metric measure
measure
Medical Definition of measure
measured
;measuring
\ˈmezh-(ə-)riŋ, ˈmāzh-\play1
transitive verb
: to allot or apportion in measured amounts2: to ascertain the measurements of
3: to serve as a measure of a thermometer measures temperature
intransitive verb
: to have a specified measurement
Learn More about measure
-
See words that rhyme with measure Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for measure Spanish Central: Translation of measure Nglish: Translation of measure for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of measure for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about measure
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up measure? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!