First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1measure
noun mea·sure \ˈme-zhər, ˈmā-\
: 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
Full Definition of MEASURE
1
a (1) : an adequate or due portion (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 c : an estimate of what is to be expected (as of a person or situation) d (1) : a measured quantity (2) : amount, degree
2
a : an instrument or utensil for measuring b (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
4
a (1) : melody, tune (2) : dance; especially : a slow and stately dance b : rhythmic structure or movement : cadence: as (1) : poetic rhythm measured by temporal 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
: 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; specifically : a proposed legislative act
— for good measure
: in addition to the minimum required : as an extra
See measure defined for English-language learners
See measure defined for kids
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Origin 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
2measure
verb
: 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)
mea·suredmea·sur·ing \ˈme-zhə-riŋ, ˈmā-; ˈmezh-riŋ, ˈmāzh-\
Full Definition of MEASURE
transitive verb
1
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
— mea·sur·abil·i·ty \ˌme-zhə-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌmā-; ˌmezh-rə-, ˌmāzh-\ noun
— mea·sur·able \ˈme-zhə-rə-bəl, ˈmā-; ˈmezh-rə-, ˈmāzh-\ adjective
— mea·sur·ably \-blē\ adverb
— mea·sur·er \-zhər-ər\ noun
See measure defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MEASURE
14th century
MEASURABLE Defined for Kids
1measure
noun mea·sure \ˈme-zhər\
Definition of MEASURE for Kids
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.>
2measure
verb
mea·suredmea·sur·ing
Definition of MEASURE for Kids
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.>
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