What does kilometre mean?
A kilometre is a unit of distance in the metric system, equal to 1,000 metres or approximately 0.621 miles. It is used for measuring roads, distances travelled, geographical features, and many scientific or sporting distances, and it appears on road signs and in speed limits expressed in kilometres per hour. The word is especially associated with British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand English, while American English normally uses the spelling “kilometer.” Although the metre is its official base unit, the kilometre remains the most practical metric unit for ordinary journeys and larger distances. It is generally a neutral and precise term with no strong emotional connotation.
nounA metric unit of distance equal to 1,000 metres, or about 0.621 miles.
- A metric unit of linear distance equal to 1,000 metres, used widely in road signs, maps, sport, and scientific measurement.
"The village lies just ten kilometres from the nearest railway station."
"They completed the ten-kilometre walk in just under an hour."
"The storm was moving eastward at roughly forty kilometres per hour."
The standard British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand plural is “kilometres”; American English normally uses “kilometers.”
"Thousands of spectators travelled from towns hundreds of kilometres away."
One kilometre is exactly 1,000 metres—and a little over three-quarters of a mile.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kilometre come from?
The word entered English in the early 19th century from French kilomètre. It was formed from Greek roots meaning “thousand” and “measure,” ultimately referring to a thousand metres. Its close relatives include centimetre and millimetre, which use the same metre element at smaller scales.
Related word forms
How kilometre is actually used
“Kilometre” is the standard spelling in British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand English. In American English, “kilometer” is standard, although “kilometre” is understood. The unit is normally abbreviated “km” in both singular and plural usage.
Easily confused with kilometre
A kilometre is a metric unit equal to 1,000 metres, whereas a mile is an imperial or US customary unit equal to 1,609.344 metres.
A kilometre is a distance of 1,000 metres; a metre is the base metric unit of length.