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.
Another video shared by the same profile appears to show a speedometer with a reading of 100mph (160kph), the BBC said. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 The speedometer, tachometer, and gauges took a year to develop (all made by hand) and were all based on the Tambour. — John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2026 The standard speedometer was replaced with a 250 kph (155 mph) unit. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026 This confusion is a big reason why the once-obscure argument over the best inflation speedometer is heating up. — Brandy Hadley, Fortune, 31 July 2026 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

Rhymes for speedometer

See All Rhymes for speedometer

Browse Nearby Words

speed of light
speedometer
speed pulley
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speedometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speedometer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speedometer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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