# KHz

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/khz
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a unit for measuring how fast something vibrates or how high a sound is. One KHz is equal to one thousand cycles per second.

For teachers: a unit of frequency equal to one thousand cycles per second. Used primarily in acoustics, electronics, and radio communications to measure signal frequency or sampling rates.

## Examples

- Human hearing usually goes up to about 20 KHz.
- The technician adjusted the audio filter to cut out all frequencies above 15 KHz to reduce high-pitched background hiss.
- While standard digital audio is often sampled at 44.1 KHz, high-resolution formats may use much higher rates to capture ultrasonic frequencies that lie beyond the range of human perception.

## Usage notes

- The abbreviation is typically written with a capital K and H, and a lowercase z, though 'kHz' is the standard SI form.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.