mile

[ mahyl ]

noun

1. Also called statute mile. a unit of distance on land in English-speaking countries equal to 5,280 feet, or 1,760 yards (1.609 kilometers).
2. nautical mile.
3. international nautical mile.
4. any of various other units of distance or length at different periods and in different countries. Compare Roman mile.
5. a notable distance or margin: : mi, mi.

   missed the target by a mile.

mile

/ maɪl /

noun

1. Also calledstatute mile a unit of length used in the UK, the US, and certain other countries, equal to 1760 yards. 1 mile is equivalent to 1.609 34 kilometres
2. See nautical mile
3. See Swedish mile
4. any of various units of length used at different times and places, esp the Roman mile, equivalent to 1620 yards
5. informal.
   often plural a great distance; great deal

   he missed by a mile

6. a race extending over a mile

adverb

1. miles
   (intensifier)

   he likes his new job miles better

mile

/ mīl /

1. A unit of length in the US Customary System, equal to 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards (about 1.61 kilometers).
2. Also called statute mile
3. See nautical mileSee Table at measurement

Word History and Origins

Origin of mile¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English mīl, from Latin mīlle (passus); mīlle, mīlia (passuum) “a thousand (paces), thousands of paces”

Word History and Origins

Origin of mile¹

Old English mīl, from Latin mīlia ( passuum ) a thousand (paces)

Idioms and Phrases

• miss by a mile
• miss is as good as a mile
• stick out (like a mile)

Example Sentences

Their journey to the UK marks the end of years of complex legal battles waged over thousands of miles over their fate, but their long-term future remains uncertain.

From BBC

The Pérez Art Museum Miami, overlooking Biscayne Bay in the city’s downtown, is just a few miles from Overtown, a historically Black neighborhood once known as the “Harlem of the South.”

From New York Times

In contrast, from what I have seen from City in the past seven games, they are miles off it and a shadow of their usual selves.

From BBC

The team found that a heightened risk of a jarring flight extended more than 55 miles away from a thunderstorm, which is roughly three times the storm-avoidance distance currently recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration.

From New York Times

The distance between second place and the bottom of the NHL’s Pacific Division is 43 miles.

From Los Angeles Times