square mile

American

[skwair mahyl] / ˈskwɛər ˈmaɪl /

noun

a unit of area measurement equal to a square measuring one mile on each side; equivalent to 2.59 square kilometers. mi 2 , sq. mi.

Etymology

Origin of square mile

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hektoria Glacier is relatively small by Antarctic standards, covering about 115 square miles, roughly the size of Philadelphia.

From Science Daily

Ukrainian forces were able to retake about 115 square miles almost overnight against Russian forces with diminished drone capabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal

Zelensky said his military had retaken some 115 square miles of territory.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nearly all of the 19 people who died in the Eaton fire — all found within two square miles of one another — lived in this western section of town.

From Los Angeles Times

An hour’s drive from Los Angeles are deserts, canyons and the thousand square miles of the Angeles National Forest.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023