Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

tape measure

See more synonyms for tape measure on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a long, flexible strip or ribbon, as of cloth or metal, marked with subdivisions of the foot or meter and used for measuring.
Show More

Origin of tape measure

First recorded in 1835–45
Also called tape·line [teyp-lahyn] /ˈteɪpˌlaɪn/.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for tape measure

Historical Examples

  • But the brisk, courteous person with the dividers and tape-measure is reassuring.

    The Perfect Gentleman

    Ralph Bergengren

  • The tape-measure, of course, was a most essential part of the outfit.

    Our Pirate Hoard

    Thomas A. Janvier

  • This can be done with sufficient accuracy by the use of a tape-measure.

  • Augustus Meredith, no less than George, blushed for the tape-measure daily.

  • "A tape-measure I had in my pocket," replied she, smiling affably the while (sensation).

    Fanny Goes to War

    Pat Beauchamp

British Dictionary definitions for tape measure

tape measure

noun
  1. a tape or length of metal marked off in inches, centimetres, etc, used principally for measuring and fitting garmentsAlso called (esp US): tapeline
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012