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

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

Determined to avoid baggage fees for his holiday to Pisa, Benjamin Till trawled several different shops armed with a tape measure in search of the right suitcase.

From BBC

Scientists on the expedition measured the coral using a type of tape measure under water.

From BBC

What I learned from my nightmarish Los Angeles apartment hunt: bring a tape measure, have the attorney general on speed-dial and “room with a view” is subjective.

From Los Angeles Times

Make sure they work for you — perhaps spend some time with a tape measure figuring out your ideal desktop height before you order a desk.

From Seattle Times