English Reference

Word

gauge

US/ˈɡeɪdʒ/

UK/ɡˈeɪdʒ/

Definitions

01measuring instrument

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technology

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

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

“The fuel gauge showed that the tank was almost empty.”

“The technician monitored the pressure gauge closely, ready to shut down the system if the needle entered the red zone.”

02thickness or width

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technology Technical

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

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

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

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

03ear jewellery

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Informal

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

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

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

“The shop specialises in organic materials for ear gauges, including carved wood and polished stone.”

Synonyms

04to judge or estimate

B2 · Upper Intermediate

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

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

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

“The marketing team conducted several focus groups to gauge public interest in the proposed rebranding strategy.”

05to measure physically

C1 · Advanced Technical

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

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

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

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

Real-World Examples

“His job is to watch the two gauges in the engine room," Kudler says.”
BBC News 18 Aug 2026
“He then began “slowly turning up the pressure gauge”, says Helen, now a 39-year-old artist.”
The Guardian 15 Aug 2026

Etymology

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domains

MathematicsNautical

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/gauge

English Reference