What does cwt mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌkjuː ˈwʊt/

Part of Speech

Abbreviation, unit of measurement

Definition

cwt is a unit of weight in the Imperial system, specifically equal to 112 pounds (50.8 kilograms) in that system, often used to measure the weight of goods and commodities, particularly in agriculture and trade.

Examples

The farmer loaded 5 cwt of wheat onto the truck.
The price of the goods was quoted in cwt, making it easier to compare with other suppliers.

Synonyms

112 pounds
50.8 kilograms

Antonyms

Gram
Ounce

Etymology

The term “cwt” is derived from the Old English word “ceorl”, meaning “free man”, and was originally used to measure the weight of goods and commodities in medieval England.

Usage Notes

cwt is commonly used in agricultural and trade contexts, particularly in the United Kingdom and other countries that use the Imperial system. It is often used to express the weight of goods such as grains, fertilizers, and other commodities.

Cultural References

cwt has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature and film. For example, in the novel “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck, the characters discuss the price of wheat in cwt.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“A cwt of trouble” is an idiomatic expression meaning a large amount of trouble or difficulty.

Related Words or Phrases

Other units of measurement, such as pounds and kilograms, are closely related to cwt in terms of their use and application.

Collocations

cwt is often used in collocations with words such as “wheat”, “grains”, “fertilizers”, and “commodities” to express the weight of goods.

Frequency of Use

cwt is less commonly used in modern language, particularly with the increasing adoption of the metric system. However, it is still used in certain contexts, such as agriculture and trade.