accelerometer

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​om·​e·​ter ik-ˌse-lə-ˈrä-mə-tər How to pronounce accelerometer (audio)
ak-
: an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations

Examples of accelerometer 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.
The newer research uses accelerometers to measure walking objectively, giving a clearer picture of who is actually moving and how often. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 Wearables use temperature sensors, accelerometers, light sensors and photoplethysmography (PPG), which pulses light through the skin to measure blood flow, heart rate and approximate blood oxygen. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 The Fitbit Air uses an optical heart rate monitor, a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, a temperature sensor, and red and infrared sensors for health tracking. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 16 June 2026 Between the heart rate sensor and the accelerometer, your Apple Watch can break your slumber down into four stages. — Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for accelerometer

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French accéléromètre, from accélérer "to accelerate" (borrowed from Latin accelerāre) + -o- -o- + -mètre -meter

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accelerometer was in 1875

Rhymes for accelerometer

See All Rhymes for accelerometer

Browse Nearby Words

accelerograph
accelerometer
accension
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accelerometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accelerometer. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

accelerometer

noun
ac·​cel·​er·​om·​e·​ter ik-ˌsel-ə-ˈräm-ət-ər How to pronounce accelerometer (audio)
ak-
: an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations

Medical Definition

accelerometer

noun
ac·​cel·​er·​om·​e·​ter ik-ˌsel-ə-ˈräm-ət-ər, ak- How to pronounce accelerometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations

More from Merriam-Webster on accelerometer

Nglish: Translation of accelerometer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about accelerometer

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