parking meter

noun

1. a mechanical device for registering and collecting payment for the length of time that a vehicle occupies a parking space, consisting typically of a timer, actuated by a coin that a driver deposits upon parking, set in a headpiece mounted on a pole.

parking meter

noun

1. a timing device, usually coin-operated, that indicates how long a vehicle may be left parked

Word History and Origins

Origin of parking meter¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

After he went to put money in the parking meter and actually came back, I was relieved.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom writes that he was eager to tell the president about the city’s exciting new tech initiatives, such as paying parking meters with cellphones.

From Los Angeles Times

Someone affixed fraudulent QR codes to parking meters in popular areas of Redondo Beach in an attempt to scam residents and visitors, authorities warned.

From Los Angeles Times

The size and shape of the coins remain unchanged, which is key because of the still widespread use of coins in vending machines, supermarket self-checkouts and parking meters.

From BBC

We all need our spot saved to refill the parking meter.

From Los Angeles Times