Ton: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in general, informal or non-technical contexts to refer to a large amount of something. Not specific to any particular measurement system.

• I have a ton of work to do today.
• She's got a ton of friends.

Used internationally and in most scientific and technical scenarios. It refers to a unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms or approximately 2,204.62 pounds.

• The factory produces steel at a rate of 5,000 metric tons per year.
• We need to transport 3 metric tons of goods.

More commonly used in the UK and other countries that follow the imperial system. It specifically refers to a unit of weight equal to 2,240 pounds.

• The shipment weighs an imperial ton.
• This ancient ship could carry up to 200 imperial tons of cargo.

Used mainly in the UK and Commonwealth countries. It is equivalent to the imperial ton, being 2,240 pounds. Not commonly used in everyday conversation.

• The tanker has a capacity of 50,000 long tons of oil.
• They estimated the load at around 100 long tons.

An informal term for a large amount or weight, often used in British English; not related to sound.

• I've got a ton of work to do today.
• They bought a ton of bricks for the construction.

A general term for anything that can be heard, encompassing all noises, tones, and musical notes.

• The sound of the waves was very relaxing.
• She loved the sound of the violin.

Refers to a single sound at a specific pitch and duration in music, or a brief written message.

• She played a wrong note on the piano.
• He left a note on the fridge reminding her to buy milk.

Describes how high or low a sound is in terms of frequency, often used in music and speech.

• Her pitch was perfect during the solo.
• The pitch of his voice rose when he was excited.