noun
Uncommon
KIA
KIA (noun) means Abbreviation for "killed in action," used to describe a soldier who died in combat. Example: “The report listed three soldiers as KIA after the ambush.”
noun
1
Abbreviation for "killed in action," used to describe a soldier who died in combat.
"The report listed three soldiers as KIA after the ambush."
2
A car made by the South Korean manufacturer Kia.
"She drove an old Kia to work every day."
How to use KIA
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither military shorthand for a combat death, or the well-known Korean car brand — context makes the meaning obvious.
When to use it
The "killed in action" sense is typically written in capitals (KIA) and used in formal or military contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- KIAs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The report listed three soldiers as _____ after the ambush.
Etymology
The military abbreviation comes from "killed in action"; the car brand name derives from Korean roots meaning roughly "to arise out of Asia."
Rhymes for KIA
See all rhymes for KIA →Frequently asked questions
What does “KIA” mean?
The word “KIA” means abbreviation for "killed in action," used to describe a soldier who died in combat. In plain terms, either military shorthand for a combat death, or the well-known Korean car brand — context makes the meaning obvious.
How do you use “KIA” in a sentence?
Here is “KIA” used in a sentence: “The report listed three soldiers as KIA after the ambush.”
What part of speech is “KIA”?
“KIA” is a noun.
Where does the word “KIA” come from?
The word “KIA” comes from Korean. The military abbreviation comes from "killed in action"; the car brand name derives from Korean roots meaning roughly "to arise out of Asia.".
Is “KIA” a common word?
“KIA” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “KIA” have?
“KIA” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: abbreviation for "killed in action," used to describe a soldier who died in combat.
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