A1noun 5K

Kilometre

UK /["/kɪˈlɒmɪtə(r)//ˈkɪləmiːtə(r)/"]/ US /["/kɪˈlɑːmɪtər/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a unit for measuring distance; 1 000 metres

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In simple words: A unit of measure for distance, equal to 1,000 meters.

Examples

• The industrial estate is 6 kilometres from the city centre.
• She had been driving at 110 **kilometres per hour**.
• Monaco is only two **square kilometres** in size.

Usage notes

Used mostly in metric systems. Not commonly used in the U.S. where miles are preferred. Suitable in scientific, educational, and general contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Kilometre sounds like 'kill-a-meter' — imagine a meter stick measuring long distances.

Collocations

• run five kilometers
• measured in kilometers
• travel a kilometer

Synonyms

• km
• kilometer
• distance measure

Antonyms

• mile

Common mistakes

• Spelling 'kilometer' incorrectly as 'kilometre'.
• Using 'kilometre' to refer to time instead of distance.
• Confusing 'kilometre' with 'meter' and using them interchangeably.