What does measurement mean?
Measurement is the process of determining a quantity, size, distance, weight, temperature, or other property by comparing it with a standard unit or reference. The resulting values are also called measurements, and a collection of them may describe the dimensions or characteristics of an object, person, or process. In scientific and technical contexts, measurement is fundamental because observations, comparisons, tests, and calculations depend on reliable standards. In everyday language, the word can suggest greater precision or objectivity than a casual estimate, as in “take a measurement.” It also has a broader figurative use for evaluating performance, impact, or importance: a measurement of success might mean any indicator of achievement. The word is used in both formal and informal registers, although technical contexts often specify units, methods, and precision. Related vocabulary includes measure, measurable, metric, and mensuration.
nounThe act or process of measuring something, or the result obtained by comparing a quantity with a standard unit. It can also refer to the dimensions or numerical data used to characterize a person, object, or process.
- The act or process of determining a quantity, size, distance, weight, or other property by comparison with a standard.
- A numerical result or value obtained by measuring, especially as one of a set describing an object, person, or process.
- The dimensions or physical data used to characterize an object, person, or phenomenon.
"Careful measurement showed that the sculpture was slightly larger than the museum had estimated."
"The technician checked each measurement before calibrating the instrument."
"The study combines temperature measurements with rainfall and wind data."
The standard plural form, used for multiple values, measurements, or the separate data obtained in a process.
"The report compares measurements from before and after the renovation."
Without measurement, human beings could compare the world, but not describe it with numbers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does measurement come from?
English measurement was formed from measure and the suffix -ment, which creates a noun denoting an action, process, or result. Measure came through Old French mesure from Latin mensura, a noun related to mensus, the past participle of metiri, “to measure.” Related Latin forms include mensuration and mensurable, while metre and metric ultimately come from Greek metron, a cognate in the same Indo-European family.
Related word forms
How measurement is actually used
The word is neutral in register and common in science, engineering, commerce, and everyday speech. It is countable when referring to an individual value or act and can be used uncountably for the general process of measuring.
Easily confused with measurement
A measurement is an act, process, or numerical result of determining a quantity, whereas a measure may be the unit or means used to express that quantity.