gauge meaning and definition

GAUGE noun

Definition of gauge (noun)

1. a measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity such as the thickness of wire or the amount of rain etc.
   • synonyms: gage
2. accepted or approved instance or example of a quantity or quality against which others are judged or measured or compared
   • synonyms: standard of measurement
3. the distance between the rails of a railway or between the wheels of a train
4. the thickness of wire
5. diameter of a tube or gun barrel
   • synonyms: bore, caliber, calibre

GAUGE verb

Definition of gauge (verb)

1. judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)
   • "I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds"
   • synonyms: approximate, estimate, guess, judge
2. rub to a uniform size
   • "gauge bricks"
3. determine the capacity, volume, or contents of by measurement and calculation
   • "gauge the wine barrels"
4. measure precisely and against a standard
   • "the wire is gauged"
5. adapt to a specified measurement
   • "gauge the instruments"
6. mix in specific proportions
   • "gauge plaster"