VocabDictionary

statute mile

/ˈstætʃ.uːt maɪl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A unit of length equal to 5,280 feet (1,760 yards or 1,609.344 meters), used primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom as the standard land mile.

Example Sentences:
  • The speed limit on the highway is measured in miles per hour, specifically referring to the statute mile.
  • The distance between the two cities is exactly fifty statute miles.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “statute mile”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term originates from the English 'statute' (a law passed by a legislative body) and 'mile' (from the Latin 'mille passus', meaning a thousand paces). It was formally defined in England by a statute in 1593 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, which standardized the length of a mile at 5,280 feet to distinguish it from the older, longer 'old English mile' and the nautical mile.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'statute' as a 'law'—it is the mile defined by the law of the land, not the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions About “statute mile

1. What is the meaning of “statute mile” in English?

In English, statute mile (noun) is defined as: “A unit of length equal to 5,280 feet (1,760 yards or 1,609.344 meters), used primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom as the standard land mile.”.

2. How do you use “statute mile” in a sentence?

The speed limit on the highway is measured in miles per hour, specifically referring to the statute mile.

3. What are English synonyms of “statute mile”?

Common synonyms include:land mile,standard mile,mile

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “statute mile”?

The term originates from the English 'statute' (a law passed by a legislative body) and 'mile' (from the Latin 'mille passus', meaning a thousand paces). It was formally defined in England by a statute in 1593 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, which standardized the length of a mile at 5,280 feet to distinguish it from the older, longer 'old English mile' and the nautical mile.