kilometre
Kilometre (noun) means a metric unit of distance equal to 1,000 metres, abbreviated km. Example: “The nearest town is about ten kilometres away.”
How to use kilometre
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA distance measurement equal to 1,000 metres, used almost everywhere in the world except the US.
Spelled "kilometre" in British English and "kilometer" in American English; the US measures road distance in miles instead.
Word forms
kilometres plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The nearest town is about ten _____ away.
Etymology
From French kilomètre, combining Greek khilioi ("thousand") with metron ("measure").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for kilometre
See all rhymes for kilometre →Frequently asked questions
What does “kilometre” mean?
The word “kilometre” means a metric unit of distance equal to 1,000 metres, abbreviated km. In plain terms, a distance measurement equal to 1,000 metres, used almost everywhere in the world except the US.
How do you pronounce “kilometre”?
“Kilometre” is pronounced kih-LOM-ih-tuh (/kɪˈlɑ.mɪ.təɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “kilometre” in a sentence?
Here is “kilometre” used in a sentence: “The nearest town is about ten kilometres away.”
What part of speech is “kilometre”?
“Kilometre” is a noun.
Where does the word “kilometre” come from?
The word “kilometre” comes from French. From French kilomètre, combining Greek khilioi ("thousand") with metron ("measure").
Is “kilometre” a common word?
“Kilometre” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
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