tape measure

a long, flexible strip or ribbon, as of cloth or metal, marked with subdivisions of the foot or meter and used for measuring.

Also called tape·line

[teyp-lahyn] /ˈteɪpˌlaɪn/.

Origin of tape measure

First recorded in 1835–45

The sick-berth steward then proceeded to put a tape-measure round his body, just under the armpits, compassing his chest.

Young Tom Bowling |J.C. Hutcheson
There's a good compass in the pilot-house, an' with it an' your tape-measure we'll be able to lay out the course to a hair.

A Runaway Brig; |James Otis
Augustus Meredith, no less than George, blushed for the tape-measure daily.

The Art of Letters |Robert Lynd
He saw the great London road like a tape-measure unfolded from the gilded case that was London.

The Passionate Elopement |Compton Mackenzie

The tape-measure, of course, was a most essential part of the outfit.

Our Pirate Hoard |Thomas A. Janvier

tape measure

a tape or length of metal marked off in inches, centimetres, etc, used principally for measuring and fitting garments Also called (esp US): tapeline