ounce
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ounce, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A unit of weight equal to one sixteenth of a pound (about 28.3 grams), used for everyday measurements like food or mail.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use ounce
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin uncia, meaning "a twelfth part," which also gave English the word "inch."
Full origin of ounce →Frequently asked questions
What does “ounce” mean?
The word “ounce” means a unit of weight equal to one sixteenth of a pound (about 28.3 grams), used for everyday measurements like food or mail. In plain terms, a small unit of weight, or figuratively, a very small amount of a quality like patience or honesty.
How do you pronounce “ounce”?
“Ounce” is pronounced owns (/aʊns/ in IPA).
How do you use “ounce” in a sentence?
Here is “ounce” used in a sentence: “The recipe calls for four ounces of grated cheese.”
What is another word for “ounce”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ounce” include oz. and fl. oz..
What part of speech is “ounce”?
“Ounce” is a noun.
Where does the word “ounce” come from?
The word “ounce” comes from Latin. From Latin uncia, meaning "a twelfth part," which also gave English the word "inch.".
Is “ounce” a common word?
“Ounce” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ounce” have?
“Ounce” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a unit of weight equal to one sixteenth of a pound (about 28.3 grams), used for everyday measurements like food or mail.
What is the difference between an ounce and a fluid ounce?
A standard ounce is a unit of weight equal to one sixteenth of a pound, about 28.3 grams, used for measuring solid items like food or mail. A fluid ounce measures volume rather than weight and is used for liquids, so the two are not directly interchangeable even though they share the same name.
How many ounces are in a pound?
There are sixteen ounces in a pound, since an ounce is defined as one sixteenth of a pound, roughly 28.3 grams. This makes the ounce a convenient smaller unit for everyday measurements like food portions or postage weight.
What does it mean to say someone has an ounce of something?
When used figuratively, an ounce of something describes a tiny amount of it, as in "an ounce of common sense" or "not an ounce of truth." This usage draws on the ounce's status as a small unit of weight to emphasize scarcity.