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

“In the two years prior to the disaster, about a dozen oarfish washed up in Japan, most hundreds of miles away from this area.” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

But instead of stopping, police say the driver raced away from the officer, hitting speeds of 65 miles an hour.

From Los Angeles Times

The Merthyr date brings flashbacks to a gig the Pistols played a few miles away in Caerphilly almost 48 years ago at the height of their notoriety.

From BBC

As the saying goes, if “great artists steal,” the Chargers have become master painters, with “Charm City” the perfect place to start, even if it is 2,700 miles away.

From Los Angeles Times

Hazardous smoke particles can cause or exacerbate heart and lung diseases miles away.

From Los Angeles Times