mileage
n.-
1 distance traveled (n.) B1 Intermediatethe total number of miles a vehicle has traveled.
the cumulative distance traveled by a vehicle, typically recorded on an odometer.
ExampleThe car is ten years old but it has very low mileage.
ExampleThe high mileage on the engine suggests that the previous owner used the vehicle for long-distance commuting rather than city driving.
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2 fuel efficiency (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate American Englishhow many miles a vehicle can travel using a specific amount of fuel.
the distance a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel consumed.
ExampleI bought a smaller car because I wanted to get better mileage.
ExampleHybrid vehicles typically offer superior gas mileage in stop-and-go city traffic compared to traditional internal combustion engines.
Usageoften used with 'good' or 'bad'
Teacher's tipIn British English, 'fuel consumption' or 'miles per gallon' is more common for this specific meaning.
- fuel economy
- efficiency
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3 travel allowance (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formalmoney 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.
ExampleThe company pays a standard mileage rate for all business trips.
ExampleEmployees are required to submit a detailed log of their journeys to claim mileage at the end of each fiscal month.
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4 usefulness or benefit (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informalthe amount of use or advantage you can get from something.
the metaphorical utility, advantage, or service derived from an object, idea, or situation.
ExampleShe got a lot of mileage out of that one black dress by wearing it to every party.
ExampleThe political campaign managed to get considerable mileage out of a single gaffe made by their opponent during the televised debate.
Usageoften used in the phrase 'get a lot of mileage out of'
From mile + -age.