water meter

American  

noun

1. a device for measuring and registering the quantity of water that passes through a pipe or other outlet.

---

water meter British  

noun

1. a device for measuring the quantity or rate of water flowing through a pipe

---

Etymology

Origin of water meter

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Last week, the city released a statement saying it had locked the warehouse’s water meter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

About half of households in England and Wales have a water meter, so they only pay for the amount they use, plus a standing charge.

From BBC • May 15, 2025

And a 1971 water meter moratorium — put into place because Bolinas has a limited water supply — has effectively prohibited new development for the last 54 years.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2025

Here’s a useful hack to figure out if you have a leak: Check your water meter and write down the numbers.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2024

At 5:19, operators went back to unit 1 to try to get another reading off the water meter.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland