ton
ton — noun
1. a standard unit for measuring weight, equal to exactly one thousand kilograms, u
a standard unit for measuring weight, equal to exactly one thousand kilograms, used in most countries worldwide for trade, industry, and everyday measurement
Japan imported over two million metric tons of steel last year alone.
metric tons + of + commodity for trade amounts
The crane at the port can lift a maximum of eighty tons without risk.
Each shipping container holds about thirty tons of manufactured goods.
Scientists measured the glacier's ice loss at three billion tons per year.
The farmer ordered five tons of fertiliser for the spring planting season.
- tonne
same as metric ton, but this spelling is preferred in scientific and British English
- 1,000 kilograms
the exact metric equivalent, used when precision is important
用法筆記
In technical or scientific writing, the spelling 'tonne' is sometimes used for the metric ton to distinguish it from UK and US tons.
常見錯誤
2. a traditional British measurement for heavy objects and commodities, weighing 1,
a traditional British measurement for heavy objects and commodities, weighing 1,016 kilograms, that was widely used before the metric system became standard
The old mine records showed coal production in long tons until the 1970s.
long tons for historical UK mining records
Adisa discovered that a long ton is about sixteen kilograms heavier than a metric ton.
British shipbuilders traditionally measured a vessel's weight in long tons.
The warehouse ledger from 1952 listed iron shipments in long tons.
- UK ton
informal alternative name for the long ton
- imperial ton
formal name within the imperial measurement system
- gross ton
used in specific shipping contexts to mean the same weight
用法筆記
Now uncommon in everyday use; the metric ton has replaced the long ton in most British industries. You may encounter it in historical documents, older shipping records, or traditional engineering contexts.
常見錯誤
3. a standard American measurement for heavy goods and commodities, weighing 907 ki
a standard American measurement for heavy goods and commodities, weighing 907 kilograms (the same as 2,000 pounds), used in domestic trade across the United States
João learned that US farmers measure their corn harvest in short tons.
short tons for US agricultural measurement
The American steel mill produced over two million short tons last quarter.
Hana converted the shipment weight from short tons to metric tons for the international invoice.
Recycling centres in the US typically report scrap metal totals in short tons.
- US ton
informal name for the short ton, used to distinguish it from other ton measurements
- net ton
used in specific US industrial contexts
- 2,000 pounds
the exact weight equivalent in the imperial system
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in the United States. When reading American sources, 'ton' without a qualifier usually means the short ton of 2,000 pounds (907 kg).
常見錯誤
4. a very large number or quantity of something, used informally to emphasise that
a very large number or quantity of something, used informally to emphasise that there is more than enough — for example, having tons of work, or a ton of emails waiting for you
Saira had a ton of laundry to fold before her guests arrived.
a ton of + [uncountable noun] for emphasis
There were tons of empty seats at the theatre on Tuesday night.
tons of + plural noun for a large quantity
The charity collected tons of canned food during the winter drive.
Otis saved a ton of money by cooking at home instead of eating out.
Élise received tons of colourful birthday cards from her classmates.
- a tiny amount
the opposite end of the quantity spectrum
- a bit
informal opposite, suggesting a small quantity
用法筆記
Commonly used in the plural form 'tons of' or the singular 'a ton of' as an intensifier. Considered informal; avoid in formal academic or business writing where 'a large amount of' or 'a great deal of' is preferred.
常見錯誤
5. an informal British term for one hundred pounds sterling, used mainly in casual
an informal British term for one hundred pounds sterling, used mainly in casual conversation about money and purchases
The leather jacket cost him three ton at the Camden Market stall.
number + ton as a slang price
Théo borrowed a ton from his flatmate to cover the electricity bill.
Rachel won two ton on a scratch card and treated everyone to dinner.
The mechanic quoted four ton to replace the gearbox on the old van.
- hundred quid
more widely understood British slang for £100 than 'ton'
用法筆記
This slang is primarily used in London and southern England. The plural is usually 'ton' not 'tons' — e.g. 'five ton' not 'five tons'. Rarely used in writing except in direct speech or dialogue.
常見錯誤
6. in cricket, a total of one hundred runs scored by a single batter during one inn
in cricket, a total of one hundred runs scored by a single batter during one innings, regarded as a major individual achievement
Asher scored his first test ton against Australia at the Melbourne ground.
score a ton in test cricket context
The crowd gave a standing ovation when the captain reached his ton.
Nala's grandfather still remembers the ton he saw Brian Lara score live.
Only a handful of players have scored more than fifty international tons.
- century
the formal term for 100 runs in cricket, used in official scoreboards and commentary
用法筆記
Also called a 'century' in formal cricket commentary. 'Ton' is the more colloquial term used among players and fans. The batter who scores a ton is said to have 'made a ton' or 'hit a ton'.
7. an informal British term for a speed of exactly one hundred miles per hour, used
an informal British term for a speed of exactly one hundred miles per hour, used mainly in driving and motor-racing contexts
The sports car was doing a ton on the motorway before the driver slowed down.
doing a ton as a fixed expression for driving at 100 mph
Christopher's motorcycle could hit a ton in under twelve seconds.
The retired racing driver recalled doing a ton on the M1 back in the sixties.
Pedro was fined heavily for riding his bike at a ton through the countryside road.
用法筆記
Almost always used with the verb 'do' in the phrase 'do a ton' (e.g. 'doing a ton'). Refers exclusively to miles per hour, never kilometres. Becoming less common as speed limits and metrication reduce the relevance of 100 mph as a milestone.