What does metered mean?
“Metered” describes something measured, regulated, or charged according to a meter. Its most familiar use is for taxis: a metered taxi calculates the fare from distance travelled and, in some jurisdictions, waiting time. The word also applies to metered parking and metered utility services, where payment or consumption is recorded according to a measured unit. In literary discussion, metered verse is verse organized according to a regular rhythm or metrical pattern. The adjective is especially useful when the focus is not simply on measurement itself but on a system in which use is tracked and controlled. It can suggest both practicality and precision, though in the context of public services it may also carry the implication of regulated access or cost.
Regulated, measured, or charged according to a meter or measured tariff.
"The airport has metered parking spaces near the terminal."
Especially common for taxis, parking, and utility services.
Having a regular arrangement of syllables or rhythm, especially in poetry.
"The line breaks in the poem are determined by its metered structure."
Used in literary and grammatical discussion; “metrical” is often a more formal alternative.
Past tense and past participle of “meter,” meaning to measure or regulate by a meter.
"The company metered electricity at each property."
This form is usually used as a past-tense verb, while the adjective senses are more common in modern usage.
A metered taxi turned a hidden journey into a visible calculation: every mile or minute became part of the fare.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does metered come from?
The word comes from “meter,” which ultimately derives from Latin metrum, a Greek term associated with measurement. The suffix “-ed” forms the adjective “metered,” meaning measured, regulated, or supplied by a meter. The same Latin and Greek root also underlies words such as “metric,” “metrical,” “diameter,” and “geometry,” all of which concern measurement or measurable form.
Related word forms
How metered is actually used
“Metered” is common in formal and practical contexts, especially for taxis, parking, utilities, and other services charged according to measured use. In literary contexts, it can describe verse organized by a metrical pattern.
Easily confused with metered
“Metered” usually emphasizes regulation or charging according to a meter, whereas “measured” more generally means determined by measurement.