metre
1 Britishnoun
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a metric unit of length equal to approximately 1.094 yards
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the basic SI unit of length; the length of the path travelled by light in free space during a time interval of 1/299 792 458 of a second. In 1983 this definition replaced the previous one based on krypton-86, which in turn had replaced the definition based on the platinum-iridium metre bar kept in Paris
noun
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prosody the rhythmic arrangement of syllables in verse, usually according to the number and kind of feet in a line
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music another word (esp US) for time
Etymology
Origin of metre1
C18: from French; see metre ²
Origin of metre2
C14: from Latin metrum, from Greek metron measure
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For 150 years, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures has provided the framework for a common system of measurements for the countries that signed up to the Metre Convention.
From Barron's • Oct. 15, 2025
Sandkuhler says Van Metre intends to incorporate more townhouses in its product mix in the future, which is why the company chose to design a modular townhouse for its second project.
From Washington Post • Jun. 9, 2022
For customers who want to see their design choices in person, Van Metre can drop off a sample or schedule a solo tour of a model to maintain social distancing.
From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2020
Fulton, of course, is one of many sportsmen who have been dubbed Two Metre Peter.
From The Guardian • Jan. 3, 2020
They were passing Metre 320 on Rack 11.
From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.