A1noun 1K

Mile

UK /["/maɪl/"]/ US /["/maɪl/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a unit for measuring distance equal to 1 609 metres or 1 760 yards

Listen to definition

In simple words: A mile is a unit of distance equal to 1,609.34 meters.

Examples

• I ran a mile in record time.
• The race was a ten-mile run through the countryside.
• We walked a mile to get to the beach.
• The marathon is 26.2 miles long.
• He lives a mile away from the city center.
• A mile is equivalent to 1.609 kilometers.

Usage notes

Commonly used in the U.S. and the U.K. for measuring distances. Not used in most other countries which prefer kilometers. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone unit of measurement

Memory hint

Think of a marathon which is about 26 miles long.

Collocations

• nautical
• square
• cover
• cycle
• do
• miles an hour
• miles per hour
• a mile a minute

Synonyms

• distance
• length
• measure

Antonyms

• short

Common mistakes

• Confused with kilometers when measuring distances in other countries.
• Misunderstanding the conversion between miles and other units of distance.
• Using 'mile' as a plural word without adding 's' in phrases like 'five mile'.