B2noun10K+

Tonne

UK /["/tʌn/"]/US /["/tʌn/"]/

Definition

a unit for measuring weight, equal to 1 000 kilograms

In simple words: A unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms.

Examples

  • a record grain harvest of 236m tonnes
  • a 17-tonne truck

Usage notes

Commonly used in science and industry, especially in countries that use the metric system. Not to be used in casual conversation where simpler terms like 'weight' may suffice.

Grammar pattern

countable noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'ton' — think of a ton of bricks to remember weight.

Collocations

  • metric tonne
  • tonne of carbon
  • tonne truck
  • tonne weight
  • tonne capacity

Synonyms

  • metric ton
  • kilogram
  • weight unit

Antonyms

  • gram
  • pound

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'ton', which is different and heavier (2,000 pounds in the US).
  • Incorrectly spelling it as 'ton' in metric contexts.
  • Using 'tonne' when referring to volume instead of weight.