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.

---

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

---

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

The tale of the tape measure behind Grant’s greatness is the down-to-the inch precision of her preparation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

“I can’t think of a single situation where a double-sided tape measure would have given me any kind of advantage in the last 20 years,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 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

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 • Jun. 7, 2025

He rummaged around in his pockets, and finally he found a tape measure and gave it to me to play with.”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt