an informal name for speedometer, (Austral) odometer
speedometer in British English
(spɪˈdɒmɪtə)
noun
a device fitted to a vehicle to measure and display the speed of travel
See also mileometer
odometer in British English
(ɒˈdɒmɪtə, əʊ-)
noun
US and Canadian
a device that records the number of miles that a bicycle or motor vehicle has travelled
Also called: mileometer
Derived forms
odometry (oˈdometry)
noun
Word origin
C18 hodometer, from Greek hodos way + -meter
speedo in American English
(ˈspidou)
nounWord forms: pluralspeedos
informal
speedometer
Word origin
[1950–55; by shortening; cf. -o]This word is first recorded in the period 1950–55. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Common Market, action painting, allograph, bleep, drip-dry-o is a suffix occurring as the final element in informal shortenings of nouns (ammo; combo; condo; limo; promo); -o also forms nouns, usually derogatory, for persons or things exemplifying or associatedwith that specified by the base noun or adjective (cheapo; pinko; sicko; weirdo; wino)
Examples of 'speedo' in a sentence
speedo
in power settings until he had slightly over sixteen knots showing on the speedo.
Terman, Douglas CORMORANT
Looking down at the speedo reveals big numbers multiplying quickly.
The Sun (2018)
There's another digital speedo behind the wheel - fast, faster and faster still.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Regular speedo checks should not cause concern for a competent driver.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
I nod studiously and cast a glance at the speedo as it creeps upwards.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The speedo is the one to trust.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The speedo rarely dips below three digits.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
One photo, taken by his passenger, showed the speedo needle hovering above 150mph.
The Sun (2007)
The rotary speedo and the deep-set gauges are just right.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
My attention darted from horizon to digital speedo and back again in a flash.