gallon

[ gal-uhn ]

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.

gallon

/ ˈɡælən /

noun

1. Also calledimperial 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

gallon

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallon¹

C13: from Old Northern French galon (Old French jalon ), perhaps of Celtic origin

Example Sentences

The millions of gallons that trickle and drain naturally into California belong to California.

From Voice of San Diego

Mix about 1½ cups of cleaner per gallon of water, then spray or mop on.

From Washington Post

We’re letting millions of gallons of sewage-contaminated Tijuana River water go to waste by tossing it to the Pacific Ocean.

From Voice of San Diego

A family of four pees about 13 gallons a week, and that can add up to millions of gallons every year in a big city.

From Popular-Science

The K23 has a better battery—41 kilowatt hours versus the K27’s 17 kilowatt hours—but it takes a little longer to charge and gets fewer miles per gallon in both city and highway driving.

From Singularity Hub 

Three years later, Washington came armed with ample alcohol—enough for a half gallon for every voter—and won with 331 votes.

From The Daily Beast

The result is that a gallon of milk at the local market costs $12.55.

From The Daily Beast

“These people act like we drink a gallon of blood and hang upside down from crucifixes before we go onstage,” Rob Halford says.

From The Daily Beast

Item 10 “Taxable refunds”… $1.98 at Safeway for a half gallon of milk that was past its sell-by date.

From The Daily Beast

Every gallon of ice cream you purchase in the Grand Canyon State is guaranteed to weigh at least four and a half pounds.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, it was the same gallon or two pumped around and around, but clear, flowing water is a sight on Mars.

From Project Gutenberg

I hadn't thought of burros—me on one of 'em—slapping with my hat to get two miles to the gallon!

From Project Gutenberg

The incomers slept eight in a room, burned oil at one dollar a gallon, and ate potatoes at ten cents apiece.

From Project Gutenberg

The price of oil was then about thirty-five cents a gallon at retail, or to the consumer.

From Project Gutenberg

The following evening he presented himself with a couple of one-gallon cans, one of them without a bottom.

From Project Gutenberg