# kilometre

/ˌkɪˈɫɔˌmətɝ/ (US) · /kˈɪləmˌiːtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kilometre
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a unit for measuring distance that is equal to 1,000 metres. You use it to talk about how far away a place is when you are driving or walking.

For teachers: a metric unit of length equal to one thousand metres. Used as the standard unit for measuring geographical distances in most countries.

## Examples

- The nearest petrol station is one kilometre away.
- The marathon route takes runners through the city centre for the final kilometre of the race.
- Although the map indicated the village was only a kilometre away, the steep and rocky terrain made the journey feel significantly longer to the exhausted hikers.

## Usage notes

- Commonly abbreviated as 'km'. In British English, the spelling is 'kilometre', while American English uses 'kilometer'.

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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.