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 • Oct. 20, 2025

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 • Feb. 29, 2024

That’s essentially a tape measure around the waist.

From Scientific American • Jul. 5, 2023

They already had a 4-foot level, a tape measure and a ladder.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 30, 2023

Even though Roosevelt didn't have a tape measure, he used a pocket ruler to take the measurements of the seal, a rare find in New York City.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple