Ton

Definition

Ton typically refers to a unit of weight, but it can also describe a large quantity of something. In British terms, it's also used to denote a speed of 100 miles per hour.

Parts of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

American English

IPA Pronunciation: /tʌn/
Respelling: TUN (rhymes with "bun" and "sun")

British English

IPA Pronunciation: /tʌn/
Respelling: TUN (similar to American English, rhyming with "bun" and "sun")

In both dialects, "ton" is pronounced the same as "tonne," with the pronunciation reflecting the same sound, "tun." This pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing the uniformity in the pronunciation of this term for a unit of weight in both dialects.

Etymology

The word "ton" is derived from the Old English "tunne", which meant a cask or barrel. It was later used in Middle English to describe a weight equivalent to the large cask's capacity, which was around 2,000 pounds.

Derivatives

Tonnage
Ton-mile
Metric ton
Tonne (especially in non-US contexts, refers to a metric ton)
Ton-up

Synonyms

Megaton
Load
Weight

Antonyms

Ounce
Gram
Speck

Usage

"Ton" is often used in the context of weight, especially to measure heavy objects or large quantities.
In British slang, "ton" can refer to a speed of 100 miles per hour, especially on motorcycles.
It can also figuratively describe a significant amount of something.

Related Terms

Weight
Mass
Pound
Kilogram
Metric

Detailed Definition

Noun

Unit of Weight: A unit of weight equal to 2,000 pounds avoirdupois (907.19 kg) in the US and 2,240 pounds avoirdupois (1,016.05 kg) in the UK.
Example: The truck can carry up to 5 tons of cargo.

Metric Measure: A metric ton, equivalent to 1,000 kilograms.
Example: The shipment was 3 tons, which is equivalent to 3,000 kilograms.