measure

mea·sure | \ ˈme-zhər

How to pronounce measure (audio)

, ˈmā-

How to pronounce measure (audio)

\

Definition of measure

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 measure

b : the dimensions, capacity, or amount of something ascertained by measuring took his measure for a coat

c : 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. Kennan

d(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 measuring

b(1) : a standard or unit of measurement — see Weights and Measures 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 dance

b : rhythmic structure or movement : cadence: such as

(1) : poetic rhythm measured by temporal (see temporal entry 1 sense 3) quantity or accent specifically : meter

(2) : musical time

c(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

measure

measured; measuring\ ˈme-zhə-riŋ

How to pronounce measuring (audio)

, ˈmā- ; ˈmezh-riŋ , ˈmāzh- \

Definition of measure (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to choose or control with cautious restraint : regulate measure his acts

b : 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

2 : to have a specified measurement

Other Words from measure Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about measure

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Examples of measure in a Sentence

Noun 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. Verb 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 on the Web: Noun While more policy easing measures will be necessary to maintain stable growth in 2020, Chinese authorities may want to slow down the pace until the outlook becomes clearer. — Washington Post, "China’s Manufacturing Is Back in Expansion," 30 Nov. 2019 As the industry matures, safety measures are likely to become more rigorous. — The Economist, "To have and to hold Supplying clean power is easier than storing it," 28 Nov. 2019 Too little, too late for some For some family members of victims, the measures announced Monday were too little, too late. — Claire Parker, USA TODAY, "France pledges nearly $400 million to stop deadly domestic violence," 25 Nov. 2019 The measure was well funded — mainly by engineers, road builders and other similar groups — and scheduled for a May vote. — Ryan Gillespie, orlandosentinel.com, "Osceola creates $200 million ‘Band-Aid’ to widen clogged roads," 22 Nov. 2019 The measure is part of other initiatives to reduce emissions, such as using a single engine when taxiing. — BostonGlobe.com, "EasyJet says it will be first major airline to operate net-zero carbon flights," 20 Nov. 2019 The timing of the ordinances comes not only after last year Cuyahoga County Council added anti-discrimination LGBTQ language, but a similar measure is making its way through the state legislature. — John Benson, cleveland, "Fairview Park City Council considering LGBTQ anti-discrimination ordinances," 20 Nov. 2019 The measure is part of other initiatives to reduce emissions, such as using a single engine when taxiing. — Fortune, "EasyJet Says It Will Be The First Major Airline To Operate Net-Zero Carbon Flights," 19 Nov. 2019 Executives and corporate board members were learning that LGBTQ equality measures were good for their companies. — Nick Lehr, Quartz at Work, "The unique role corporations played in the fight for LGBTQ rights," 18 Nov. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Of all the teams measured since 1985, the Ravens have the 12th best total DVOA through 11 games. — Childs Walker, baltimoresun.com, "Lamar Jackson and Ravens prepare for a mighty test against ultra-fast 49ers defense," 30 Nov. 2019 Save on prep bowls with lids, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, and a cookie dough scoop, and get cooking. — CNN Underscored, "The best Black Friday deals to shop on Amazon," 29 Nov. 2019 These figures compare to a September Gallup poll measuring audience trust in U.S. mass media at 41 percent. — Melinda Zemper, Cincinnati.com, "VOA Eurasia division chief warns of Russian disinformation at VOA Museum talk," 29 Nov. 2019 Notes: Giesfeldt measures her flour by scooping the measuring cups into the flour and then leveling them off. — Nancy Stohs, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "14 Holiday Cookie Contest winning recipes, ahead of this year's Dec. 4 reveal," 29 Nov. 2019 Here is a roundup of some of the best posts, which include someone cross-country skiing to down the street in Boulder, a corgi puppy frolicking in the snow, some unique snow-measuring devices and plenty of patio furniture pics. — Daniel Boniface, The Denver Post, "Colorado weather: The best social media posts from the snowstorm," 26 Nov. 2019 The microwave sounders are now very good at measuring that faint signal. — Alejandra Borunda, National Geographic, "Could your next cell phone wreck our weather forecasts?," 26 Nov. 2019 Those figures are nearly impossible to track and measure, and there are lots of confounding variables that influence the results. — Andy Katz-mayfield, Quartz at Work, "There’s a reason companies are afraid to talk about men’s mental health," 25 Nov. 2019 Just as measuring a quantum phenomenon can change it, so too can the effort to predict future violence help usher it into being. — Julian Lucas, Harper's magazine, "New Books," 25 Nov. 2019

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.

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Learn More about measure

Dictionary Entries near measure

measured drawing

Statistics for measure

Last Updated

3 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Measure.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measuring. Accessed 5 December 2019.

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More Definitions for measure

measure

noun

English Language Learners Definition of measure

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

verb

English Language Learners Definition of measure (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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)

See the full definition for measure in the English Language Learners Dictionary

measure

mea·sure | \ ˈme-zhər

\

Kids Definition of measure

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : extent sense 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.

measure

measured; measuring

Kids Definition of measure (Entry 2 of 2)

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 : estimate entry 1 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.

measure

mea·sure | \ ˈmezh-ər

, ˈmāzh-

\

Medical Definition of measure

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an instrument or utensil for measuring

2 : a standard or unit of measurement also : a system of such measures metric measure

measure

measured; measuring\ ˈmezh-(ə-)riŋ, ˈmāzh-

\

Medical Definition of measure (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to allot or apportion in measured amounts

2 : to ascertain the measurements of

3 : to serve as a measure of a thermometer measures temperature

intransitive verb

: to have a specified measurement

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acquiesce

to accept, comply, or submit

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