noun

verst

VURST

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Verst (noun) means a verst is a traditional Russian unit of length equal to roughly 1.07 kilometres, or about two-thirds of a mile. Example: “Old Russian maps marked distances in versts rather than kilometres.”

noun

A verst is a traditional Russian unit of length equal to roughly 1.07 kilometres, or about two-thirds of a mile.

"Old Russian maps marked distances in versts rather than kilometres."

"He reckoned the village lay about three versts from the station."

"A verst is close in length to two-thirds of a mile."

How to use verst

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA verst is an old Russian way of measuring distance, a bit over a kilometre.

When to use it

The word is only used when talking about Russian distances, historical or literary.

Memory tip

Remember that verst and its homophone versed sound identical but mean completely different things.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

versed →

Common pairings

a few versts away measured in versts several versts from

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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”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Old Russian maps marked distances in _____ rather than kilometres.

Etymology

English took the word from Russian верста́ (verstá). It sometimes reached English by way of German Werst or French verste rather than directly from Russian.

Origin: Russian

Rhymes for verst

first worst burst hurst horst Durst thirst

See all rhymes for verst →

Frequently asked questions

What is a verst?

A verst is a Russian unit of distance equal to about 1.07 kilometres, or roughly two-thirds of a mile.

Is verst a word in English?

Yes, English borrowed the word from Russian, sometimes via German or French forms of the same term.

Does verst sound like versed?

Yes, verst and versed are pronounced the same way in English.

What is the meaning of verst?

"verst" (noun) means a verst is a traditional Russian unit of length equal to roughly 1.07 kilometres, or about two-thirds of a mile.