English Reference
noun

mileage

n.
US /ˈmaɪɫədʒ/ UK /mˈaɪlɪdʒ/ mileage UK spelling mileages

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the total number of miles a vehicle has traveled.

    the cumulative distance traveled by a vehicle, typically recorded on an odometer.

    Simple

    The car is ten years old but it has very low mileage.

    In context

    The high mileage on the engine suggests that the previous owner used the vehicle for long-distance commuting rather than city driving.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    how many miles a vehicle can travel using a specific amount of fuel.

    the distance a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel consumed.

    Simple

    I bought a smaller car because I wanted to get better mileage.

    In context

    Hybrid vehicles typically offer superior gas mileage in stop-and-go city traffic compared to traditional internal combustion engines.

    Usage

    often used with 'good' or 'bad'

    Teacher's tip

    In British English, 'fuel consumption' or 'miles per gallon' is more common for this specific meaning.

    fuel economyefficiency
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    money paid to someone for the miles they drive for work.

    a fixed rate of compensation paid to an employee for travel expenses incurred using a personal vehicle.

    Simple

    The company pays a standard mileage rate for all business trips.

    In context

    Employees are required to submit a detailed log of their journeys to claim mileage at the end of each fiscal month.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    the amount of use or advantage you can get from something.

    the metaphorical utility, advantage, or service derived from an object, idea, or situation.

    Simple

    She got a lot of mileage out of that one black dress by wearing it to every party.

    In context

    The political campaign managed to get considerable mileage out of a single gaffe made by their opponent during the televised debate.

    Usage

    often used in the phrase 'get a lot of mileage out of'


From mile + -age.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated