C1noun2K

Gallon

UK /["/ˈɡælən/"]/US /["/ˈɡælən/"]/

Definition

a unit for measuring liquid. In the UK, Canada and other countries it is equal to about 4.5 litres; in the US it is equal to about 3.8 litres. There are four quarts in a gallon.

In simple words: A gallon is a way to measure liquid. In the U.S., it is equal to about 3.8 liters.

Examples

  • The tankers carried 130 000 gallons of fuel.

Usage notes

Used mainly in the U.S. for buying and measuring liquids like milk and gas. Not commonly used in countries that use metric measurements.

Grammar pattern

standalone unit of measure

Memory hint

Think of a 'gallon' of milk — it's a common size you buy at the store.

Collocations

  • milk gallon
  • gallon jug
  • gallon of water
  • one gallon

Synonyms

  • litre
  • quart
  • pint
  • fluid ounce

Antonyms

  • pint
  • quart

Common mistakes

  • Confusing gallons with liters.
  • Using 'gallon' as a countable noun (e.g., saying 'two gallon' instead of 'two gallons').
  • Not knowing the difference between US gallons and UK gallons.