1 B1 neutral
To determine a specific length or amount of something and mark where it begins and ends.
"She measured off two metres of ribbon and cut it cleanly."
separable
measure off
B1 neutral separable transitive
To measure and mark a specific length, distance, or portion of something.
In plain English
Use a ruler or tape to find the right size and make a mark on something.
What does "measure off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To measure a portion and then mark it off — reasonably transparent.
Actually means
Use a ruler or tape to find the right size and make a mark on something.
Usage tip
Common in crafts, sewing, construction, and cooking contexts. Often implies a physical action of marking after measuring. Frequently followed by a unit of measurement ('measure off 30 centimetres').
Words that pair with "measure off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
length section fabric rope distance piece
How to conjugate "measure off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
measure off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
measures off
he/she/it
Past simple
measured off
yesterday
Past participle
measured off
have + pp
-ing form
measuring off
continuous
Hear "measure off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "measure off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "measure off"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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