unit

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: the first and least natural number : one
b
: a single quantity regarded as a whole in calculation
2
: a determinate quantity (as of length, time, heat, or value) adopted as a standard of measurement: such as
a
: an amount of work used in education in calculating student credits
b
: an amount of a biologically active agent (such as a drug or antigen) required to produce a specific result see also international unit
3
a
: a single thing, person, or group that is a constituent of a whole
b
: a part of a military establishment that has a prescribed organization (as of personnel and matériel)
c
: a piece or complex of apparatus serving to perform one particular function
d
: a part of a school course focusing on a central theme
e
: a local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses
f
: a small molecule especially when combined in a larger molecule
repeating units of a polymer
g
: an area in a medical facility and especially a hospital that is specially staffed and equipped to provide a particular type of care
an intensive care unit

unit

2 of 2

adjective

: being, relating to, or measuring one unit

Examples of unit in a Sentence

Noun The family is the basic unit of society. The search party broke up into smaller units. Their army unit guarded the border. Feet and meters are units of length. The dollar is the principal unit of American currency.
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Noun
Otherwise, the water could seep through the cracks in the unit, damaging the floor, cabinets, and walls, as well as leading to extensive mold and mildew growth behind the dishwasher. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025 Many of these are utilized in graphics processing units (GPUs) and other hardware essential for artificial intelligence, including high-performance magnets in data center cooling systems. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025 Another bill Gianforte enacted, SB 528, preempts all local prohibitions or restrictions on the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as a carriage houses, guest cottages, and pool houses. Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 The good news, says an attorney for the company, is that the six-story complex, with its 192 units, has begun to lease apartments. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unit

Word History

Etymology

Noun

back-formation from unity

First Known Use

Noun

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1633, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unit was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unit. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

unit

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: the first and smallest natural number : one
b
: a single quantity regarded as a whole in calculation
2
: a definite quantity (as of length, time, or value) used as a standard of measurement
the dollar is the unit of U.S. money
3
a
: a single thing or person or group that is a part of a whole
b
: a part or arrangement of parts performing one function
a train drawn by two diesel units
c
: a part of a school course with a central theme

unit

2 of 2 adjective
: being, relating to, or measuring one unit of
unit length
unit angle

Medical Definition

unit

noun
1
: an amount of a biologically active agent (as a drug or antigen) required to produce a specific result under strictly controlled conditions
a unit of penicillin
see international unit
2
: a small molecule especially when combined in a larger molecule
repeating units of a polymer
3
: an area in a medical facility and especially a hospital that is specially staffed and equipped to provide a particular type of care
an intensive care unit

More from Merriam-Webster on unit

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