gauge
/ɡeɪdʒ/
noun
- An instrument or device used for measuring something, such as pressure, thickness, or distance.
- A rain gauge in the backyard showed we got two inches of water last night.
- The fuel gauge in my car is broken, so I never know how much gas I have left.
- The mechanic checked the tire pressure with a gauge.
- A measurement or standard used to judge or compare something.
- Customer satisfaction is a good gauge of how well a business is doing.
- Her test scores are not an accurate gauge of her true ability.
- The number of people at the protest was a gauge of public anger over the new law.
- The thickness, diameter, or size of something, especially wire, sheet metal, or a firearm barrel.
- You need a thicker gauge of wire for this electrical project.
- The shotgun is a 12-gauge, which is a common size for hunting.
- The artist used a very fine gauge of needle for the embroidery.
- The distance between the rails of a railroad track.
- Most countries use standard gauge for their railway tracks.
- The narrow-gauge railway winds through the mountains.
- Engineers checked the gauge to make sure the tracks were properly aligned.
verb
- To measure or determine the amount, level, or size of something using an instrument or by estimation.
- The technician gauged the pressure in the boiler to ensure it was safe.
- We tried to gauge the depth of the river before crossing.
- He used a ruler to gauge the length of the board.
- To estimate or judge a situation, feeling, or quality.
- It's hard to gauge how people will react to the new policy.
- She looked at his face to gauge his mood before speaking.
- The teacher tried to gauge the class's understanding of the topic.