What does "gauge" mean?

1. (measuring instrument) a tool used to measure the amount, level, or pressure of something. 2. (thickness or width) a standard measurement of thickness, especially for wire, metal, or the distance between train tracks. 3. (ear jewellery) a type of jewellery worn in a large hole in the earlobe. 4. (to judge or estimate) to make a judgment about a situation or a person's feelings. 5. (to measure physically) to measure the exact size, amount, or strength of something.

gauge

n. · v.

US //ˈɡeɪdʒ// UK //ɡˈeɪdʒ// gauge

1 measuring instrument (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

a tool used to measure the amount, level, or pressure of something.

an instrument used for ascertaining the amount, level, or contents of something, often featuring a visual display or dial.

Example

The fuel gauge showed that the tank was almost empty.

Example

The technician monitored the pressure gauge closely, ready to shut down the system if the needle entered the red zone.
2 thickness or width (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Technical

a standard measurement of thickness, especially for wire, metal, or the distance between train tracks.

a standard measure of dimensions or thickness, specifically regarding wire diameter, sheet metal, or the distance between the inner faces of railway tracks.

Example

The electrician used a heavy gauge wire for the new kitchen appliances.

Example

The country's railway network was difficult to integrate with its neighbours because they used a different track gauge.

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3 ear jewellery (n.)
C2 Proficiency Informal

a type of jewellery worn in a large hole in the earlobe.

a cylindrical piece of jewellery inserted into a stretched earlobe piercing to maintain or increase its diameter.

Example

He decided to wear silver gauges in his ears for the concert.

Example

The shop specialises in organic materials for ear gauges, including carved wood and polished stone.
- plug
- tunnel
4 to judge or estimate (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to make a judgment about a situation or a person's feelings.

to evaluate or assess a person's feelings, a situation, or a reaction based on available evidence.

Example

It was difficult to gauge her reaction to the news because she stayed very quiet.

Example

The marketing team conducted several focus groups to gauge public interest in the proposed rebranding strategy.
5 to measure physically (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical

to measure the exact size, amount, or strength of something.

to determine the exact dimensions, capacity, or quantity of something using a measuring device.

Example

The scientists need to gauge the water levels every hour during the storm.

Example

Using laser technology, the engineers were able to gauge the structural integrity of the bridge with millimetre precision.

Origin

From Middle English gauge, gaugen, from Anglo-Norman, Old Northern French gauger (compare Modern French jauger from Old French jaugier), from gauge (“gauging rod”), from Frankish galga (“measuring rod, pole”), from Proto-Germanic galgô (“pole, stake, cross”), from Proto-Indo-European ǵʰalgʰ-, ǵʰalg- (“perch, long switch”). Cognate with Old High German galgo, Old Frisian galga, Old English ġealga (“cross-beam, gallows”), Old Norse galgi (“cross-beam, gallows”), Old Norse gelgja (“pole, perch”). Doublet of gallows.