kilogram
Kilogram (noun) means the base unit of mass in the metric system, equal to 1,000 grams and officially defined today through a fixed value of the Planck constant. Example: “A bag of sugar usually weighs one kilogram.”
How to use kilogram
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe standard metric unit for weighing things, equal to 1,000 grams — roughly 2.2 pounds.
Kilograms are the everyday unit for weight across the UK and most of the world; the US mainly uses pounds in daily life, though kilograms are standard in science everywhere.
Word forms
kilograms plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A bag of sugar usually weighs one _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from French kilogramme, built from Greek-derived kilo- ("thousand") plus gramme ("small weight").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for kilogram
See all rhymes for kilogram →Frequently asked questions
What does “kilogram” mean?
The word “kilogram” means the base unit of mass in the metric system, equal to 1,000 grams and officially defined today through a fixed value of the Planck constant. In plain terms, the standard metric unit for weighing things, equal to 1,000 grams — roughly 2.2 pounds.
How do you pronounce “kilogram”?
“Kilogram” is pronounced KIH-luhg-ram (/ˈkɪləɡɹæm/ in IPA).
How do you use “kilogram” in a sentence?
Here is “kilogram” used in a sentence: “A bag of sugar usually weighs one kilogram.”
What is another word for “kilogram”?
Words with a similar meaning to “kilogram” include kilo and kg.
What part of speech is “kilogram”?
“Kilogram” is a noun.
Where does the word “kilogram” come from?
The word “kilogram” comes from French. Borrowed from French kilogramme, built from Greek-derived kilo- ("thousand") plus gramme ("small weight").
Is “kilogram” a common word?
“Kilogram” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
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