kilo (French)
Where does "kilo" come from?
The word 'kilo' is a shortened form of the French prefix 'kilo-', which was introduced as part of the metric system. It originates from the Greek word 'chilioi,' meaning 'thousand,' and evolved to function as a standalone noun in casual language to represent a kilogram or, more broadly, a large quantity.
Full etymology tree
- kilo (French), 'kilo'
- derived kilo- (French), 'kilo-'
- learned borrowing kilo- (English), 'In the International System of Units and other metric systems of units, multiplying the unit to which it is attached by a thousand (1000).'
- derived χίλιοι (chilioi) (Ancient Greek), 'thousand'
- learned borrowing kilo- (English), 'In the International System of Units and other metric systems of units, multiplying the unit to which it is attached by a thousand (1000).'
- derived kilo- (French), 'kilo-'
Updated June 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris