unit
YOO-niht
Unit (noun) means a single, whole thing, especially one regarded as a standard measure or a self-contained part of something larger. Example: “Each unit in the textbook ends with a short review quiz.”
noun
1
A single, whole thing, especially one regarded as a standard measure or a self-contained part of something larger.
"Each unit in the textbook ends with a short review quiz."
"The metre is a unit of length."
"Each apartment is a separate unit within the building."
2
A group of people organized to perform a specific function, such as a military or business unit.
"The fire brigade has a specialist unit trained for rescues at height."
"He was assigned to a special operations unit."
"The hospital opened a new intensive care unit."
How to use unit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne single, self-contained thing — used for measurements, groups, or standalone parts of a whole.
Common pairings
unit of measurement
military unit
housing unit
per unit
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Each _____ in the textbook ends with a short review quiz.
Etymology
Originally a variant of "unity", later specialized to mean a single standard measure or item.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “unit” mean?
The word “unit” means a single, whole thing, especially one regarded as a standard measure or a self-contained part of something larger. In plain terms, one single, self-contained thing — used for measurements, groups, or standalone parts of a whole.
How do you pronounce “unit”?
“Unit” is pronounced YOO-niht (/ˈjuː.nɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “unit” in a sentence?
Here is “unit” used in a sentence: “The metre is a unit of length.”
What part of speech is “unit”?
“Unit” is a noun.
Is “unit” a common word?
“Unit” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “unit” have?
“Unit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a single, whole thing, especially one regarded as a standard measure or a self-contained part of something larger.
What is a unit of measurement?
A unit of measurement is an agreed standard quantity used to express how much of something there is. Metres measure length, kilograms measure mass, and seconds measure time. By comparing an amount against a fixed unit, everyone can describe and share measurements in the same, consistent way.
What is the difference between a unit and a whole?
A unit can be a single whole thing in its own right, like one apple, but it can also be a self-contained part of something larger, such as one flat in a block. So a unit is complete on its own, yet it may still be a building block of a bigger whole.
What are the types of units?
The word covers many things: units of measurement like the litre or watt; housing units such as flats and apartments; organisational units like a department or a military unit; and teaching units, the sections of a course. In each case a unit is one self-contained part of a larger system.
What is an example of a unit?
Examples include a single apartment in a building, a squad within an army, one section of a training course, or a kilowatt-hour of electricity on a bill. Each is either one whole item or one standard measure, treated as a distinct part of something bigger.
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