Gallon

/ˈɡæl.ən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A unit of fluid capacity equal to 128 U.S. fluid ounces, or approximately 3.785 liters.
I need to buy a gallon of milk for the recipe.
A unit of measure used in the UK, equivalent to 160 U.S. fluid ounces or approximately 4.546 liters.
The car's fuel tank can hold up to a gallon of petrol.
A measure of volume that can be used to quantify liquids or gases.
We filled the bucket with a gallon of water for the plants.

Etymology

Middle English 'galon', from Old Northern French 'galon', of unknown origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

gallon of gas
A common term referring to a unit of fuel.
gallon jug
A large container used for holding liquids.
gallon challenge
A contest to drink a gallon of milk in an hour.

Related Words

liter
A metric unit of volume equivalent to 1/1000 cubic meters.
ounce
A unit of weight or volume in the U.S. customary and imperial systems.

Slang Meanings

Gallon of fun
That party was a gallon of fun!
Gallon of gas
Fill up the tank; I need a gallon of gas to get home.