1
a(1)
: an adequate or due portion
all too few of the British actresses … have received their measure of remembrance—
Saturday Review
Saturday Review
(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
took his measure for a coat
c
: an estimate of what is to be expected (as of a person or situation)
the measure of their tragedy is now beyond our imagination—G. F. Kennan
G. F. Kennan2
a
: an instrument (such as a yardstick) or utensil (such as a graduated cup) for measuring
b(1)
: a standard or unit of measurement see Weights and Measures Table
(2)
: a system of standard units of measure
metric measure
3
: the act or process of measuring
settled by a measure made by a surveyor
4
b
: rhythmic structure or movement : cadence: such as
(1)
: poetic rhythm measured by temporal (see temporal entry 1 sense 3) quantity or accent
specifically
: meter
(2)
: musical time
5
: an exact divisor of a number
6 being the greatest common measure of 42 and 12
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
took strong measures against the rebels
specifically
: a proposed legislative act
sponsored an anti-inflation measure in the senate
measured; measuring
ˈme-zhə-riŋ 
ˈmā-;
ˈmezh-riŋ,
ˈmāzh-
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
Synonyms
Examples of measure in a Sentence
Noun
She felt equal measures of hope and fear.
Their actions were motivated in large measure by a desire for revenge.
An occasion like this calls for some measure of decorum.
The meter is a measure of length.
The dictionary includes a table of weights and measures.
The legislature has passed a measure aimed at protecting consumers.
The governor has proposed a number of cost-cutting measures.
They were forced to resort to desperate measures.
We need to take measures to protect ourselves.
Verb
using a ruler to measure a piece of paper
an instrument for measuring air pressure
mental abilities measured by IQ testing
He's being measured for a new suit.
His success cannot be measured solely on the basis of his popularity.
The cloth measures 3 meters.
The room measures 15 feet wide by 30 feet long.
Recent Examples on the Web
Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
These actions can range from initial fire control measures and coordinating evacuations to contacting the fire department.
—Kyle Russell, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024
Success is impossible to measure without clear goals.
—Andrea Ruskin, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for measure 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The space heaters were sold in black and white and measure from 9 inches to 26 inches in height, depending on the model.
—Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
These actions can range from initial fire control measures and coordinating evacuations to contacting the fire department.
—Kyle Russell, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
To measure their widths, the team used a scanning electron microscope.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024
Success is impossible to measure without clear goals.
—Andrea Ruskin, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for measure
Dictionary Entries Near measure
Cite this Entry
“Measure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measure. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
1
a
: an adequate, fixed, or suitable limit or amount
surprised beyond measure
b
: amount entry 2, extent, degree
gained a large measure of freedom
2
a
: the size, capacity, or quantity of something as fixed by measuring
use equal measures of ingredients
b
: something (as a yardstick or cup) used in measuring
c
: a unit used in measuring
the foot is a measure of length
d
: a system of measuring
metric measure
3
: the act or process of measuring
4
a
: dance entry 2 sense 2
especially
: a slow and stately dance
c
: the part of a musical staff between two bars or the group of beats between these bars
5
: an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
especially
: a legislative bill or act
measure
2 of 2 verb
measured; measuring
ˈmezh-(ə-)riŋ
ˈmāzh-
1
: to mark or fix in multiples of a specific unit
measure out two cups
2
: to find out the size, extent, or amount of
measure the piece of paper
3
: estimate entry 1 sense 1
measured the distance with my eye
4
: to bring into comparison
measure your skill against an opponent's
5
: to serve as a measure of
a thermometer measures temperature
6
: to have as its measurement
the room measures 12 by 12 feet
Medical Definition
1
: an instrument or utensil for measuring
2
: a standard or unit of measurement
measure
2 of 2 verb
measured; measuring
ˈmezh-(ə-)riŋ, ˈmāzh-
1
: to allot or apportion in measured amounts
2
: to ascertain the measurements of
3
: to serve as a measure of
a thermometer measures temperature
: to have a specified measurement
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