kit
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for kit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A set of equipment, tools, or personal items packed together for a particular purpose, such as a soldier's gear or a workman's tools.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use kit
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From a Middle Dutch word for a wooden vessel made of curved staves. The sense shifted over time from a container to whatever was carried inside it — first a soldier's pack, then any bundle of gear, and eventually a boxed set of parts to assemble.
Full origin of kit →Frequently asked questions
What does “kit” mean?
The word “kit” means a set of equipment, tools, or personal items packed together for a particular purpose, such as a soldier's gear or a workman's tools. In plain terms, a set of gear, tools, or parts put together for one job — or, informally, a baby animal.
How do you pronounce “kit”?
“Kit” is pronounced KIHT (/ˈkɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “kit” in a sentence?
Here is “kit” used in a sentence: “She packed her sewing kit before the trip.”
What part of speech is “kit”?
Depending on how it is used, “kit” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “kit” come from?
The word “kit” comes from Dutch.
Is “kit” a common word?
“Kit” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “kit” have?
“Kit” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a set of equipment, tools, or personal items packed together for a particular purpose, such as a soldier's gear or a workman's tools.
What is the difference between a kit and a set?
A set is any group of matching or related items, like a chess set. A kit is more specific: a collection of tools or supplies gathered for a particular job or activity, and often packed together to carry. Every kit is a kind of set, but a kit implies a practical purpose.
What are some common types of kits?
Everyday examples include a first-aid kit for treating injuries, a tool kit for repairs, a sewing kit, and a model kit of parts to assemble. In sports and the military, 'kit' can also mean the full set of clothing and gear a person needs, such as a team's playing kit.
What does 'kit' mean in British English?
In British usage, 'kit' very often means the clothing and equipment for an activity, especially sport. A footballer's kit is their shirt, shorts, and socks; 'PE kit' is the gear schoolchildren wear for exercise. More generally, to 'get your kit together' means to gather your things.