What is the Abbreviation for Thousand?

How do you abbreviate thousand? The word thousand has a few common abbreviations.

The most common abbreviations for thousand are,

  • thous.
  • k
  • M

When to Use This Abbreviation

This abbreviation is only to be used in certain, non-academic writing. For the most part, the abbreviation “M” is used as in settings that deal with money and financing, such as bank and corporate accounting records. “K” is a more casual abbreviation.

Using “M” as an abbreviation for thousand dates back to the Roman numeral system, where “M” was the symbol for thousand. It is still used in instances like CPM, or cost per thousand impressions.

What Does Thousand Mean?

thou abbreviation kDefinition of Thousand: The cardinal number thousand can be an adjective or a noun and refers to the number ten one hundreds.

It is also commonly used as a hyperbole for a big amount of something.

  • In New York, almost all apartments rent for over a thousand dollars a month. (Literal)
  • There are a thousand ants on the back porch where Larissa left a popsicle and it melted. (Hyperbole)

Outside Examples of Thousand

  • abbreviation of thousand abbreviationTens of thousands of Africans have taken the dangerous route to find a better life in Europe, while others are escaping wars in the Middle East, especially Syria and Afghanistan. –USA Today
  • As a substitute teacher, passed them out by the thousands. Of all the work sheets I passed out, the ones in high school were the worst. –The New York Times

Summary: Thousand Abbreviation

There are few different ways to abbreviate the word. The most common of which are,

  • thou.
  • k
  • M

Contents