mile

noun \ ˈmī(-ə)l \

|Updated on: 8 Jun 2018

Examples: mile in a Sentence

Definition of mile

1 : any of various units of distance: such as

a : a unit equal to 5280 feet — see Weights and Measures Table

b : nautical mile

2 : a race of a mile

3 : a relatively great distance, degree, or interval —used chiefly adverbially in plural

was miles ahead of them in education

— a mile a minute

: with great speed

talking a mile a minute

See mile defined for English-language learners

See mile defined for kids

Examples of mile in a Sentence

We passed mile after mile of beautiful scenery as we drove through the country.
We traveled over miles of dirt road.
The car was traveling at 70 miles per hour.
We were miles from home.
We still have miles to go.
The beach stretched on for miles and miles.

Recent Examples of mile from the Web

The app’s map shows a Bird with a full charge less than .1 mile from my house.

— ben stewart, Popular Mechanics, "48 Hours Without Four Wheels: What I Learned Living the Ridesharing Scooter Life," 5 June 2018
The city also laid down the double-track, miles-long Great Northern Railroad tunnel that runs beneath the city center.

— christine clarridge, The Seattle Times, "Save time, stay dry on foot in Seattle’s ‘hidden’ passageways and tunnels," 30 May 2018
On Detroit's bikeways, like the two-mile-long Dequindre Cut that links the Detroit River to Eastern Market, only the Class 1 e-bikes are allowed — at least so far, according to the website of Detroit Greenways Coalition.

— bill laitner, Detroit Free Press, "Why electric bikes aren't always welcome on Michigan's trails," 29 May 2018
The Murph Challenge is a CrossFit workout that consists of a mile-long run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats and a final mile run — all while wearing a 20-pound vest or body armor.

— Fox News, "Memorial Day tradition: CrossFit remembers fallen Navy SEAL with a grueling workout challenge," 23 May 2018
Houston’s four-mile long Innovation Corridor could easily be one of the newest, hottest spots to reside, with the incredible plans for the area, according to the Greater Houston Partnership.

— valerie sweeten, Houston Chronicle, "Condo Life: Houston’s Innovation Corridor highlights condominium choices," 13 May 2018
Quip set off down the backstretch on his mile-long gallop, comfortably hitting each furlong in about 18 seconds, his normal galloping pace.

— david gendelman, New York Times, "How to Prepare a Horse for the Preakness," 12 May 2018
The least challenging hike is along the Juniper Lake Trail, which is less than a mile long.

— amy aumick, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Explore Florida's Santa Rosa County: Home to famous blackwater," 7 May 2018
Of course, the mile-long beach, with sun loungers and umbrellas, is also a great spot to get your vacation on.

— alisha prakash, USA TODAY, "10 Caribbean resorts with awesome water parks," 2 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of mile

Middle English, from Old English mīl, from Latin milia miles, from milia passuum, literally, thousands of paces, from milia, plural of mille thousand

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

mile Synonyms

MILE Defined for English Language Learners

mile

noun

Definition of mile for English Language Learners

: a unit of measurement equal to 5,280 feet (about 1,609 meters)
miles : a great distance
: a race that is a mile long

MILE Defined for Kids

mile

noun \ ˈmīl \

Definition of mile for Students

1 : a measure of distance ( statute mile ) equal to 5280 feet (1609 meters)

2 : a measure of distance ( geographical mile or nautical mile ) used in air and sea travel equal to about 6076 feet (1852 meters)

History for mile

In English we use the word mile for two different lengths. Though the ancient Roman mile was not the same as either of these, the English word mile comes from the Latin name for the Roman mile. This Latin word, milia, came from the phrase milia passuum, literally, “thousands of steps.” From the Latin word for “thousand,” mille, we also get the words mill (a thousandth of a dollar) and million (a thousand thousands).