tape measure

American  

[teyp mezh-er] / ˈteɪp ˌmɛʒ ər /

noun

1. Also called tapeline.  a long, flexible strip or ribbon, as of cloth or metal, marked with subdivisions of the foot or meter and used for measuring.

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adjective

1. Baseball. Also tape-measure. (of a hit) having traveled so remarkably far that the distance, usually only estimated, is worth noting.

   This kid’s got so much power, even his foul balls are tape-measure shots.

tape measure British  

noun

1. Also called (esp US): tapeline.  a tape or length of metal marked off in inches, centimetres, etc, used principally for measuring and fitting garments

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Etymology

Origin of tape measure

First recorded in 1835–45 tape measure for def. 1, and in 1950–55 tape measure for def. 2

Example Sentences

“A single-sided tape measure works 90% of the time, but anytime you’re on a construction site, saving that other 10% is worth the cost,” Bruderer said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Some have since been worked into functional items, with his giant tape measure becoming a coffee table and a big plug turned into a cupboard.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the narrowest part of your neck, keeping the tape snug but not tight.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2025

The tape measure is calibrated in units of 3.14 inches, or pi, so it reads diameter directly.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 1, 2023

He pulled a long tape measure with silver markings out of his pocket.

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling