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kilometre


(US kilometer
, abbreviation: km)
Translate kilometre | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of kilometre

noun

  • a metric unit of measurement equal to 1,000 metres (approximately 0.62 miles).

Derivatives

kilometric

Pronunciation: /kɪləˈmɛtrɪk/

adjective

Origin:

late 18th century: from French kilomètre (see kilo-, metre1)

There are two possible pronunciations for kilometre: one with the stress on the ki- and the other with the stress on the -lo-. The first is traditionally considered correct, with a stress pattern similar to other units of measurement such as centimetre. The second pronunciation, which originated in US English and is now also very common in British English, is still regarded as incorrect by some people, especially in British English.

kilometre in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of kilometre in the US English dictionary