Metre vs. Meter: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 21, 2024
Metre is the British English spelling for the unit of length, while meter is the American English spelling for the same unit. Both represent a measurement equal to 100 centimeters.
Key Differences
Metre is the British English spelling for the fundamental unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is used widely in countries that follow British English conventions. In scientific contexts, the spelling "metre" is standard in British publications and documentation. Meter, on the other hand, is the American English spelling for the same unit of length. This spelling is standard in the United States and other countries that follow American English conventions. The usage of "meter" aligns with American spelling norms, simplifying and unifying language across various fields.
Metre also appears in poetic contexts, referring to the rhythmic structure of verses. British English retains the "metre" spelling for both the unit of length and the poetic term. The dual usage of "metre" in British English can sometimes cause confusion in interdisciplinary discussions.
Meter, in American English, also refers to the device that measures and records the amount of something, such as a gas meter or parking meter. This multifaceted usage in American English makes "meter" a versatile term, applicable in both scientific and everyday contexts.
While both "metre" and "meter" represent the same length measurement, their spelling signifies the regional variations in English. The difference underscores the broader distinctions between British and American English, affecting spelling conventions in various domains.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Metre
Meter
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Usage
Predominantly in British English
Predominantly in American English
Additional Meaning
Poetic measure (rhythm)
Measuring device (e.g., gas meter)
Scientific Context
Standard spelling in British science
Standard spelling in American science
Length Measurement
Both mean 100 centimeters
Both mean 100 centimeters
Metre and Meter Definitions
Metre
Rhythmic structure in poetry.
The poem uses iambic metre.
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Meter
A particular arrangement of words in poetry, such as iambic pentameter, determined by the kind and number of metrical units in a line.
Metre
Variant of meter2.
Meter
The measured arrangement of words in poetry, as by accentual rhythm, syllabic quantity, or the number of syllables in a line.
Metre
British English unit of length in SI.
The pool is 50 metres long.
Meter
The rhythmic pattern of a stanza, determined by the kind and number of lines.
Metre
Variant of meter1.
Meter
Division into measures or bars.
Metre
The basic unit of length in the International System of Units (SI: Système International d'Unités), equal to the distance travelled by light in a vacuum in 1/299 792 458 seconds. The metre is equal to 127 (approximately 39.37) imperial inches.
Meter
A specific rhythm determined by the number of beats and the time value assigned to each note in a measure.
Metre
The rhythm or measure in verse and musical composition.
Meter
The international standard unit of length, approximately equivalent to 39.37 inches. It was redefined in 1983 as the distance traveled by light in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. See Table at measurement.
Metre
Alternative spelling of meter
Meter
Any of various devices designed to measure time, distance, speed, or intensity or indicate and record or regulate the amount or volume, as of the flow of a gas or an electric current.
Metre
To put into metrical form.
Meter
A postage meter.
Metre
See Meter.
Meter
A parking meter.
Metre
The basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
Meter
To measure with a meter
Meter a flow of water.
Metre
(prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
Meter
To supply in a measured or regulated amount
Metered the allotted gasoline to each vehicle.
Metre
Rhythm as given by division into parts of equal time
Meter
To imprint with postage or other revenue stamps by means of a postage meter or similar device
Metering bulk mail.
Metre
Standard measurement in British engineering.
The bridge spans 1000 metres.
Meter
To provide with a parking meter or parking meters
Meter parking spaces.
Metre
Measurement unit in British scientific papers.
The wavelength is measured in metres.
Meter
A device that measures things.
Metre
Used in British road signs.
Speed limits are in kilometres per hour and metres per second.
Meter
A parking meter or similar device for collecting payment.
Gas meter
Meter
American English unit of length in SI.
The race is 400 meters.
Meter
Rhythmic structure in poetry (less common).
The song has a steady meter.
Meter
Standard measurement in American engineering.
The building is 300 meters tall.
Meter
Used in American road signs.
The parking meter expires in one hour.
Meter
One who metes or measures.
A labouring coal-meter
Meter
(American spelling) The base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI), conceived as 1/10,000,000 of the distance from the North Pole to the Equator, and now defined as the distance light will travel in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds.
Meter
(American spelling) The overall rhythm of a song or poem; particularly, the number of beats in a measure or syllables in a line.
Meter
(obsolete) A poem.
Meter
(American spelling) A line above or below a hanging net, to which the net is attached in order to strengthen it.
Meter
To measure with a metering device.
Meter
To imprint a postage mark with a postage meter.
Meter
To regulate the flow of or to deliver in regulated amounts (usually of fluids but sometimes of other things such as anticipation or breath).
Meter
One who, or that which, metes or measures. See Coal-meter.
Meter
An instrument for measuring, and usually for recording automatically, the quantity measured.
Meter
A line above or below a hanging net, to which the net is attached in order to strengthen it.
Meter
Rhythmical arrangement of syllables or words into verses, stanzas, strophes, etc.; poetical measure, depending on number, quantity, and accent of syllables; rhythm; measure; verse; also, any specific rhythmical arrangements; as, the Horatian meters; a dactylic meter.
The only strict antithesis to prose is meter.
Meter
A poem.
Meter
A measure of length, equal to 39.37 English inches, the standard of linear measure in the metric system of weights and measures. It was intended to be, and is very nearly, the ten millionth part of the distance from the equator to the north pole, as ascertained by actual measurement of an arc of a meridian. See Metric system, under Metric.
Meter
The basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
Meter
Any of various measuring instruments for measuring a quantity
Meter
(prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
Meter
Rhythm as given by division into parts of equal time
Meter
Measure with a meter;
Meter the flow of water
Meter
Stamp with a meter indicating the postage;
Meter the mail
Meter
Device that measures quantities.
Check the electric meter for usage.
FAQs
Is "metre" used in scientific contexts?
Yes, "metre" is used in British scientific literature.
Can "meter" refer to a device?
Yes, in American English, "meter" can refer to a measuring device.
What is the difference between "metre" and "meter"?
"Metre" is British English for the unit of length; "meter" is American English for the same unit.
Does "metre" have other meanings?
Yes, in British English, it also refers to the rhythmic structure in poetry.
Why are there different spellings for the same unit?
Different English dialects (British vs. American) have distinct spelling conventions.
Which countries use "meter"?
Countries following American English conventions, like the USA.
Which countries use "metre"?
Countries following British English conventions, like the UK and Canada.
Is "meter" used in American English poetry?
Yes, "meter" can describe the rhythmic structure in poetry, though less commonly.
What is the standard unit of length in SI?
The meter/metre is the SI base unit of length.
Is "metre" used on British road signs?
Yes, British road signs use "metres."
Can "metre" and "meter" be used interchangeably?
No, usage depends on regional spelling conventions.
Are educational materials different between regions?
Yes, British materials use "metre" and American materials use "meter."
Are "metre" and "meter" pronounced the same?
Yes, they are pronounced the same.
Is "metre" used in Canadian English?
Yes, Canadian English typically uses "metre."
Which spelling is used in international scientific papers?
Both spellings are used, depending on the author's regional convention.
What does "meter" mean in everyday American usage?
It often refers to devices like parking meters or utility meters.
Do poetry terms differ between British and American English?
Yes, British English uses "metre" while American English often uses "meter."
Do scientific publications in the US use "meter"?
Yes, American scientific publications use "meter."
Can "metre" refer to a measuring device?
No, "metre" in British English does not refer to a measuring device.
Is "metre" used in Australian English?
Yes, Australian English uses "metre."
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
