gallon

American  

[gal-uhn] / ˈgæl ən /

noun

1. a common unit of capacity in English-speaking countries, equal to four quarts, the U.S. standard gallon being equal to 231 cubic inches (3.7853 liters), and the British imperial gallon to 277.42 cubic inches (4.546 liters). gal.

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gallon British  

/ ˈɡælən /

noun

1. Also called: imperial gallon.  a unit of capacity equal to 277.42 cubic inches. 1 Brit gallon is equivalent to 1.20 US gallons or 4.55 litres

2. a unit of capacity equal to 231 cubic inches. 1 US gallon is equivalent to 0.83 imperial gallon or 3.79 litres

3. (plural) great quantities

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gallon Scientific  

/ găl′ən /

1. A unit of liquid volume or capacity in the US Customary System equal to 4 quarts (3.79 liters).

2. See Table at measurement

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Etymology

Origin of gallon

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English galo(u)n, gallon, from Old North French galon, derivative from base of Medieval Latin gallēta “jug, bucket,” of uncertain origin

Compare meaning

How does gallon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• gallon vs. liter
• pint vs. gallon

Example Sentences

The company’s outlook had anticipated fuel costs of $2.50 a gallon, meaning Frontier will see up to $50 million in incremental costs this period.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in California on Monday was $5.52, the highest in the nation and more than 50 cents higher than any other state.

From Los Angeles Times

The current average cost of a gallon of petrol in the US, according to the American Automobile Association, is $3.72 - a dramatic increase from the $2.94 average price a month ago.

From BBC

The average price for regular gasoline at the pump stood at $3.68 a gallon on Monday.

From MarketWatch

Retail prices have risen more than 77 cents a gallon since the war began on Feb. 28, to an average of $3.699 for a gallon of regular unleaded, according to AAA.

From Barron's