noun A2 Elementary Uncommon

kilogram

KIH-luhg-ram

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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.”

noun

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.

"A bag of sugar usually weighs one kilogram."

"The recipe calls for half a kilogram of flour."

"Friday’s vote has permanently redefined the kilogram and sent Le Grand K into retirement." — Matthew Robinson and Lianne Kolirin, The world has just redefined the kilogram (2018)

How to use kilogram

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe standard metric unit for weighing things, equal to 1,000 grams — roughly 2.2 pounds.

UK vs US

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.

Common pairings

weigh a kilogram kilograms per hour price per kilogram

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: kilograms

Test yourself on “kilogram” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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").

Origin: French

Synonyms

View more →

kilo kg

Related words

kilo

Rhymes for kilogram

program ideogram hologram monogram sonogram mammogram angiogram reprogram parallelogram electrocardiogram

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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