speedometer

noun

speed·​om·​e·​ter spi-ˈdä-mə-tər How to pronounce speedometer (audio)
1
: an instrument for indicating speed : tachometer
2
: an instrument for indicating distance traversed as well as speed of travel
also : odometer

Examples of speedometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That means your maps, music, messages, speedometer, tachometer, and even tire pressure all live in one seamless interface. Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 The dials are matched to the car's rev counter and speedometer. New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2025 Due to an aging flex-foil cable, a software error may appear in affected cars and cause the instrument panel display to fail, resulting in drivers losing access to important features like the speedometer, warning lights, speed and gear indicators, mileage, and more. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025 Ever since the automotive speedometer debuted early last century, motorists have been driven to see higher numbers on the gauge. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for speedometer

Word History

Etymology

speed entry 1 + -o- + -meter

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of speedometer was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speedometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speedometer. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

speedometer

noun
speed·​om·​e·​ter spi-ˈdäm-ət-ər How to pronounce speedometer (audio)
1
: an instrument that measures speed
2
: an instrument that both measures speed and records distance traveled

More from Merriam-Webster on speedometer

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