The term "14-gauge" typically refers to the thickness of a wire or metal sheet. In the context of wire, a lower gauge number indicates a thicker wire, so 14-gauge wire is thicker than 16-gauge wire but thinner than 12-gauge wire. This measurement is commonly used in electrical applications, where 14-gauge wire is often suitable for circuits carrying up to 15 amps of current. In addition to electrical wiring, "14-gauge" can also apply to other materials, such as sheet metal or shotgun barrels. For example, a 14-gauge shotgun is a popular choice among hunters and sport shooters, balancing power and recoil effectively.