Gauge Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of GAUGE

1

[count]

:

an instrument that is used for measuring something

• a temperature/rain gauge
• the fuel/gas gauge

2

[count]

:

something that can be used to measure or judge something else

— usually singular

— often + of

• He does not believe that these tests are an accurate gauge of intelligence.
• Home sales provide a gauge of the state of the economy.

3

[noncount]

:

the distance between the rails of a railroad

• a standard/broad/narrow gauge railroad

4

[noncount]

:

the thickness of something (such as a sheet of metal) or the diameter of wire or a screw

• 20-gauge wire
• heavy gauge aluminum

5

[noncount]

:

the size of a shotgun based on how big the inside of the barrel is

• a 12-gauge shotgun

Britannica Dictionary definition of GAUGE

[+ object]

1

:

to make a judgment about (something)

• Home sales provide a useful way of gauging the overall state of the economy.
• He accurately gauged the mood of the voters.
• I was gauging her reaction to the news.

2

:

to measure (something) exactly

• instruments for gauging temperature and humidity