Ounce

/aʊns/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A unit of weight equal to one-sixteenth of a pound or approximately 28.35 grams.
The recipe calls for two ounces of cheese.
A small amount or portion.
He wouldn't give an ounce of effort in the project.
A unit of liquid capacity equal to one-eighth of a cup or approximately 29.57 milliliters.
She filled the measuring cup to eight ounces of water.

Etymology

Middle English unce, from Latin uncia, meaning one twelfth.

Common Phrases and Expressions

ounce of prevention:
A proactive measure to prevent issues.
an ounce of gold:
Referring to a measure of valuable resources.
once in a blue moon:
Something that happens very rarely.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Refers to an ounce of drugs, especially marijuana.
He bought an ounce for the party.
Informal term for a small quantity.
You only need an ounce of creativity to start.