gross ton: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “gross ton” mean?
A unit of mass equal to 2,240 pounds (1,016.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of mass equal to 2,240 pounds (1,016.0469 kilograms), also known as a long ton.
Primarily used in shipping and maritime contexts to measure a ship's cargo capacity, displacement, or deadweight tonnage. It is distinct from the short ton (2,000 lbs) and the metric tonne (1,000 kg).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'gross ton' (long ton) is the traditional British imperial unit and remains standard in UK maritime and shipbuilding. In the US, the 'short ton' (2,000 lbs) is more common in domestic contexts, but the gross ton is still used in international shipping and naval architecture.
Connotations
In the UK, it is the standard historical unit. In the US, its use often signals adherence to international maritime conventions or technical precision in specific fields.
Frequency
More frequent in UK technical writing. In the US, 'ton' often defaults to 'short ton' unless specified; 'gross ton' is used deliberately for clarity in international contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gross ton” in a Sentence
[Ship/Vehicle] + has + a displacement of + [Number] + gross tons[Number] + gross tons + of + [Cargo]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gross ton” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gross-ton measurement is still favoured in British shipyards.
- They quoted a gross-ton price for the scrap metal.
American English
- The contract specified a gross-ton rate for the ore.
- Gross-ton displacement is a key naval specification.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in shipping contracts, freight invoices, and logistics planning to specify cargo weight.
Academic
Appears in papers on naval architecture, maritime history, and international trade logistics.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of specific professional contexts.
Technical
The standard unit in ship classification, port dues calculation, and naval engineering specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gross ton”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gross ton”
- Using 'gross ton' to mean 'disgusting ton'.
- Confusing it with 'gross register tonnage' (GRT), which is a measure of volume, not weight.
- Assuming 'ton' always means 1,000 kg.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A gross ton (or long ton) is 2,240 pounds (approx. 1,016 kg). A metric tonne is 1,000 kg (approx. 2,204.6 pounds). They are different units.
No. In this context, 'gross' comes from the Old French 'gros' meaning 'big, thick, coarse,' and here means 'total, overall' (as in 'gross weight'). It has no relation to the modern meaning of 'disgusting'.
It is primarily used in the international shipping industry, especially in the UK and Commonwealth countries, for measuring ship displacement and deadweight tonnage. It is also used in some US contexts related to naval architecture and bulk commodities like iron ore and coal.
A 'gross ton' is a unit of weight (mass). A 'gross register ton' (GRT) is a unit of volume (100 cubic feet) used to measure the total enclosed volume of a ship. They are completely different measurements, though both are used in shipping.
A unit of mass equal to 2,240 pounds (1,016.
Gross ton: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡrəʊs ˈtʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡroʊs ˈtʌn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Great Britain' for 'Gross' – the bigger, British ton is 2,240 lbs, while the American 'short' ton is smaller at 2,000 lbs.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEIGHT IS CAPACITY (e.g., 'a ship of 10,000 gross tons' metaphorically represents its size and carrying potential).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the unit 'gross ton'?