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
From the M-W Editors
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.
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
First Known Use: 13th century
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.
Origin and Etymology of measure
see 1measure
First Known Use: 14th century
MEASURE Defined for English Language Learners
measure
playDefinition of measure for English Language Learners
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: an amount or degree of something
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: something (such as a cup or a ruler) that is used to measure things
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: a unit used in measuring something
measure
Definition of measure for English Language Learners
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: to find out the size, length, or amount of (something)
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: to find out the size of (someone) for clothing
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: 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
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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
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