energy

noun

en·​er·​gy ˈe-nər-jē 

plural energies

1

a

: dynamic quality

narrative energy

b

: the capacity of acting or being active

intellectual energy

c

: a usually positive spiritual force

the energy flowing through all people

2

: vigorous exertion of power : effort

investing time and energy

3

: a fundamental entity of nature that is transferred between parts of a system in the production of physical change within the system and usually regarded as the capacity for doing work

4

: usable power (such as heat or electricity)

also : the resources for producing such power

Synonyms

• aura
• chi
• ch'i
• qi
• ki
• vibe(s)
• vibration(s)

Choose the Right Synonym for energy

power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort.

power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack.

use weight training to build your strength

might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

Examples of energy in a Sentence

The kids are always so full of energy.

They devoted all their energy to the completion of the project.

They devoted all their energies to the completion of the project.

She puts a lot of energy into her work.

The newer appliances conserve more energy.

Recent Examples on the Web

To my mind, clean energy and sustainability would make the perfect theme for a new and improved Tomorrowland. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024

Siemens too had broken itself into three pieces a few years ago, with energy, health care, and industrial solutions as its separate parts. —Peter Vanham, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024

But even without the bells and whistles, Tyler captivated throughout with electric energy and seasoned showmanship, adding light comedic touches while addressing the crowd between songs. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024

The competing goals represent a challenge as the Biden administration tries to make the case that China should scale back its production of clean energy technology. —Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024

The superheroes are accustomed to fighting villains who wield fists and energy blasts, not parasites who burrow into bodies and lay eggs. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2024

China has agreed to talks on production capacity with the U.S. but remained steadfast in defending its exports of green energy products. —Ken Moritsugu, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024

Would quitting cigarettes and booze a few years back and channeling all that energy into group fitness classes be enough to turn back time? —Max Berlinger, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2024

But for all the flash, there was an organic energy to it all, and Bad Bunny made LCA feel like a nightclub hot spot. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 7 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin energia, from Greek energeia activity, from energos active, from en in + ergon work — more at work

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing energy

• activation energy
• alternative energy
• atomic energy
• binding energy
• bundle of energy
• conservation of energy
• dark energy
• dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
• energy drink
• energy level
• high-energy
• high-energy physics
• kinetic energy
• luminous energy
• nervous energy
• non-energy
• nuclear energy
• potential energy
• radiant energy

Kids Definition

energy

noun

en·​er·​gy ˈen-ər-jē 

plural energies

1

: power or ability to be active : strength of body or mind to do things or to work

a teacher of great intellectual energy

2

: natural power exerted with force : lively action

work with energy

3

: the capacity (as of heat, light, or running water) for doing work

4

a

: usable power (as heat or electricity)

b

: a source of energy

especially : a resource (as oil) used to provide energy

Medical Definition

energy

noun

en·​er·​gy ˈen-ər-jē 

plural energies

1

: psychic energy

2

: the capacity for doing work