B1 2K

Kilometer

UK //kɪˈlɒmə.tər// US //kɪˈlɑː.mə.tɚ// Pronunciation

Definition

A metric unit for measuring distance equal to 1,000 meters.

Listen to definition

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

Examples

• The city is five kilometers away from here.
• You need to run at least ten kilometers to train for the marathon.
• The distance between the two towns is 20 kilometers.

Usage notes

Use 'kilometer' in scientific or everyday contexts. Not typically used in formal writing where miles might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Kilometer sounds like 'kill-o-meter' — imagine measuring distance with a special meter.

Collocations

• kilometer marker
• kilometer sign
• per kilometer

Synonyms

• km
• thousand meters

Antonyms

• mile
• inch
• foot

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'mile' for distance.
• Incorrectly spelled as 'kilometre' in American English.