Definition

Noun: A gauge or instrument on a vehicle's dashboard that indicates the amount of fuel (specifically gasoline) remaining in the vehicle's fuel tank.

Usage

The term "gas gauge" refers specifically to the dashboard instrument. It is a compound noun. The reading on this instrument is often called "the gas gauge reading" or simply "the gauge." * I checked the gas gauge and saw we were almost empty. * The gas gauge in my car is broken; it always shows full.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on/above/below E": "E" stands for "Empty" on the gas gauge. This phrase describes the fuel level relative to the empty mark.
  • We need to find a station; we're on E.
• "The gas gauge is acting up": A colloquial way to say the gauge is not functioning correctly.
  • My gas gauge is acting up; it fluctuates wildly.

Variants and Related Words

• Fuel gauge: A more general term that can refer to a gauge for any type of fuel (e.g., diesel, gasoline).
• Fuel indicator: Another term for the same instrument.
• Tank level sensor: The electronic component that measures the fuel level and sends the signal to the gauge.

Synonyms

• Fuel gauge
• Fuel indicator

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Running on fumes": Driving with the gas gauge indicating that the fuel tank is virtually empty.
  • We barely made it to the gas station; we were running on fumes.
• "To watch the gas gauge": To monitor the fuel level closely, often due to low fuel or a long journey.
  • On this remote highway, you have to watch the gas gauge carefully.

Noun

1. gauge that indicates the amount of gasoline left in the gasoline tank of a vehicle