Speedometer

/spiˈdɒmɪtə/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An instrument used to measure the speed of a vehicle.
The speedometer on my car showed that I was driving at 65 miles per hour.
A device that indicates the speed at which a vehicle is moving.
She glanced at the speedometer to ensure she was not exceeding the speed limit.
A gauge in a vehicle that helps the driver maintain a proper speed.
Before entering the highway, he checked the speedometer to set a steady pace.

Etymology

The word 'speedometer' is derived from the words 'speed' and 'meter', where 'meter' comes from Greek 'metron' (measure).

Common Phrases and Expressions

over the speed limit
Driving faster than the legally allowed speed.
speed trap
A place where police monitor the speed of vehicles to catch speeding drivers.
slow down
To reduce speed.

Related Words

odometer
An instrument for measuring the distance traveled by a vehicle.
tachometer
An instrument for measuring the speed of rotation of an engine.
dashboard
The panel in front of a driver, displaying various instruments including the speedometer.

Slang Meanings

The speed dial
I glanced at the speed dial to see how fast we were going.
The needle
I watched the needle on the speedometer jump as we accelerated.