What does odometer mean?
An odometer is a device in a vehicle that records the total distance the vehicle has travelled. Its readings are normally expressed in miles or kilometres, and the display gives drivers a quick indication of the vehicle's mileage, age, and often its likely resale value. The term can also refer to the measuring instrument itself rather than the number shown. Odometers differ from speedometers, which display current speed, and from trip meters, which can be reset to measure the distance covered during one journey. Although modern vehicles increasingly use electronic displays and maintain mileage records digitally, the odometer remains a familiar symbol of a vehicle's history and long-term use.
nounAn instrument in a vehicle that measures and records the total distance the vehicle has travelled, usually in miles or kilometres. It is typically fitted into the dashboard or instrument panel.
- An instrument that measures and records the total distance travelled by a vehicle.
"The car dealer showed me the odometer reading before agreeing on a price."
"The odometer shows that the van has covered more than 100,000 kilometres."
"She checked the odometer to estimate the car's value before buying it."
The plural is used when referring to multiple vehicles, devices, or odometer readings.
"The auction catalogue listed the odometers and condition of each car."
An odometer is a vehicle’s built-in memory of where it has been, preserving the journey one mile or kilometre at a time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does odometer come from?
The word odometer comes from Greek ὁδός (hodos), meaning “way” or “road,” and μέτρον (metron), meaning “measure.” It was formed in the 19th century in English, following the Greek-derived terminology used for measuring devices. The English word “metre” and the adjective “metric” also come from the same Greek root for measurement.
Related word forms
How odometer is actually used
The word is standard in British and American English. In British English, mileage is sometimes used informally for the information displayed by the odometer.
Easily confused with odometer
An odometer measures the distance a vehicle has travelled, while a tachometer indicates the speed at which it is travelling.