mileage
MY-lij
/ˈmaɪlɪdʒ/
The total distance in miles traveled by a vehicle, or the distance a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel.
Can refer to either the cumulative distance a car has driven over its lifetime (high mileage) or its fuel efficiency (good mileage). In rentals, it refers to the distance limits allowed per day.
The story behind the word. The word 'mile' comes from the Latin 'milia passuum', which literally translates to 'a thousand paces' (measured by Roman soldiers marching). Adding the suffix '-age' (denoting a collective state or rate) gives us 'mileage'—the collective sum of those thousand-pace units.
Word relationships
- distance: Distance is a general term for space between two points, while mileage specifically measures distance traveled by a vehicle.
- fuel economy: Fuel economy specifically refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, whereas mileage can refer to either fuel efficiency or total distance traveled.
Commonly confused with
- odometer: The odometer is the physical instrument in the dashboard that measures the mileage.
Word family
- mile (noun): A unit of linear measure equal to 1,760 yards (approximately 1.609 kilometers).
Collocations
- unlimited mileage
- gas mileage
- high mileage
- mileage limit
Idioms & expressions
- get mileage out of
Example sentences
- "Our rental agreement came with unlimited mileage, allowing us to drive across the state without worrying about extra fees." Reviewing a rental contract's restrictions.
- "The car was in great mechanical shape, but the high mileage on the odometer made me hesitate to buy it." Evaluating a used car's condition.
Memory hook
Look at the 'mile' on the dial to see your 'mileage'. Mileage = Miles accumulated.
When not to use
In countries using the metric system, people often use 'kilometerage' or 'odometer reading', though 'mileage' is still widely understood metaphorically.
Fun facts
- The idiom 'to get mileage out of something' means to get a lot of use or benefit from an idea, joke, or piece of clothing, borrowing the concept of a durable car.
Related words
Also appears in
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