What does meter mean?
Meter is a word that can describe a measuring device, the beat of poetry, a regulated flow, or—in US English—the metric unit of length. As a noun, a meter is an instrument that records consumption, such as electricity, water, or gas; a parking meter is a related timed device. In literary criticism, meter means the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in verse, whether expressed in feet or accentual groups. A verb, to meter, means to measure or regulate an amount, rate, or flow. The word is therefore broader than a simple unit: it links practical measurement with the ordered movement of language and verse. Because meter and metre are pronounced alike but differ in spelling and usage, regional conventions matter: metre is the usual British spelling for the length unit and for poetic rhythm, while meter is standard in American English and remains the usual spelling for measuring devices in both varieties.
A meter is a device for measuring usage, flow, or time; a unit or pattern of poetic rhythm; or, in US English, a metric unit of length equal to 100 centimeters.
"The parking meter expired before she returned to the car."
For poetic rhythm, British English commonly uses the spelling metre. The length unit is also spelled metre in British English.
To measure, assess, or regulate the amount, rate, or flow of something, especially using or as if using a meter.
"The system meters electricity usage throughout the building."
This use is less common than the noun and is especially associated with regulating or tracking flows, resources, or speech.
The plural of meter. In British English, poetic rhythm is often spelled metre, whose plural is metres.
"The building has three separate meters for tracking its electricity and water use."
A poem's meter is its pulse: the repeated pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that makes language move like music.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does meter come from?
Meter descends from Latin metrum, a borrowing of Greek metron, meaning “measure.” Through this root it is related to metric, metrology, metronome, and words such as diameter and perimeter. The literary sense refers to the measured rhythm of verse, while the sense for a measuring device follows the same fundamental idea of measurement.
Related word forms
How meter is actually used
In literary contexts, metre is more common in British English, while meter is standard in US English. In measurement contexts, meter is standard in both varieties; British English normally uses metre for the unit of length, whereas meter names measuring devices in both varieties.
Easily confused with meter
Metre is the usual British spelling for the metric unit of length and for poetic rhythm, whereas meter is standard in US English and is the usual spelling for measuring devices in both varieties.