Meaning & Definition of word "Odometer"

Odometer

/əˈdɒmɪtə/

noun:

  • 1. An instrument used in a vehicle to measure the distance traveled.
    • Example: Before selling the car, make sure to check the odometer to see how many miles it has been driven.
  • 2. A device that records the total number of miles driven by a vehicle.
    • Example: The car's odometer read 120,000 miles, which raised concerns about its long-term reliability.
  • 3. A device that is often used in automobiles and bicycles to digitally or mechanically display distance.
    • Example: He noted the odometer reading before departing for his road trip to track the distance traveled.

Etymology

From Latin 'odometra', from 'odo-' (path) + 'metron' (to measure).

Common Phrases and Expressions

roll over the odometer:

to reach a point where the odometer resets to zero.

check the odometer:

to examine the distance recorded by the odometer.

Related Words

speedometer:

An instrument that measures and displays the speed of a vehicle.

trip meter:

A feature that records the distance of individual trips.

Slang Meanings of odometer

Meaning: Rolling back the odometer

Example Sentence: He got in trouble for rolling back the odometer to sell the car for more money.