English Reference
noun · verb

kit

n. · v.
US /ˈkɪt/ UK /kˈɪt/ kit UK spelling kit's, kit's, kitted

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a set of tools, supplies, or equipment that you need for a specific job or activity.

    n.a collection of specialized tools, supplies, or equipment required for a particular purpose or profession.

    Simple

    He always keeps a first-aid kit in the trunk of his car.

    In context

    The survival kit contains essential items such as a compass, waterproof matches, and emergency rations for three days.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.a set of parts that you buy together and put together yourself to make something.

    n.a set of components sold together with instructions for assembly by the purchaser.

    Simple

    My daughter spent the whole afternoon building a model airplane from a kit.

    In context

    The furniture arrived as a flat-pack kit, requiring several hours of assembly with basic household tools.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate British English Sport

    n.the special set of clothes and equipment that you wear to play a sport.

    n.the distinctive clothing and equipment worn by members of a sports team.

    Simple

    The team will be wearing their new blue and white kit for the final.

    In context

    The club launched their away kit for the upcoming season, featuring a retro design inspired by their 1990s championship win.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Music

    n.a set of drums and cymbals played by one person.

    n.a collection of drums, cymbals, and other percussion instruments arranged for a single player.

    Simple

    The drummer spent an hour setting up his kit before the concert started.

    In context

    The studio is equipped with a professional-grade kit, though most touring drummers prefer to bring their own cymbals.

    drum kittrap set
  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    n.a complete set of computer files or software needed to install a program.

    n.a comprehensive software package or distribution, often including documentation and installation scripts.

    Simple

    You can download the latest installation kit from the developer's website.

    In context

    The development kit provides all the necessary libraries and headers for third-party engineers to build compatible plugins.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    n.a young animal, such as a young fox, rabbit, or beaver.

    n.the young of certain fur-bearing animals, including foxes, beavers, and ferrets.

    Simple

    The mother fox stayed close to the den to protect her kits.

    In context

    Wildlife biologists observed the kits emerging from the burrow for the first time in early spring.

  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to give someone the clothes or equipment they need for an activity.

    v.to supply or equip someone or something with the necessary gear; often used with 'out'.

    Simple

    It cost a lot of money to kit the children out for their skiing trip.

    In context

    The expedition was fully kitted out with the latest satellite communication technology and cold-weather survival gear.

    Usage

    Often used as the phrasal verb 'kit out'.

Usage kits for the coming

What are your favourite new kits for the coming season?

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

From Ukrainian кіт (kit, “tomcat”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin uk кіт
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated