speedometer

noun

speed·​om·​e·​ter spi-ˈdä-mə-tər 

1

: an instrument for indicating speed : tachometer

2

: an instrument for indicating distance traversed as well as speed of travel

also : odometer

Examples of speedometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At Laguna Seca, that kind of acceleration makes glancing down at the speedometer while cresting Turn 1 nearly impossible. — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026

Since modern speedometers operate electronically based on how fast your tires are traveling, if the tires themselves are larger, aren’t inflated at the right level or have low tread, that can lead to speed inaccuracies. — Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2026

All Class 2 e-bikes manufactured, sold or offered for sale on or after that date would need to include a speedometer. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Another video shared by the same profile appears to show a speedometer with a reading of 100mph (160kph), the BBC said. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

speed entry 1 + -o- + -meter

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for speedometer

• barometer
• chronometer
• geometer
• hydrometer
• hygrometer
• kilometer
• micrometer
• odometer
• photometer
• psychrometer
• pycnometer
• pyrometer

Kids Definition

speedometer

noun

speed·​om·​e·​ter spi-ˈdäm-ət-ər 

1

: an instrument that measures speed

2

: an instrument that both measures speed and records distance traveled