Words / A2

KIL-uh-gram/ˈkɪləɡræm/

A kilogram is 1,000 grams: weigh five kilograms, a kilogram of apples, kg for short. Kilo is the informal short form. Pound (lb) is an older British shop unit you may still hear. Kilometre (km) measures distance. On bags and tickets you will see kg.

Meaning

A metric unit of weight equal to 1,000 grams.

Examples

• “The suitcase weighs eighteen kilograms.”
• “Her hand luggage must be under seven kilograms.”
• “The baby weighed four kilograms at the clinic.”

Good to know

a kilogram / kg. Informal: kilo. Distance mix-up: kilometre. Old shop unit: pound (lb).

Near in meaning

kilo

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