transformer
noun
trans·form·er
tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mər 
: one that transforms
specifically
: a device employing the principle of mutual induction to convert variations of current in a primary circuit into variations of voltage and current in a secondary circuit
Examples of transformer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s a national shortage of transformers, a key component in the electrical grid, the Center for American Progress reports.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
These storms can also damage key technological infrastructure, such as by interfering with the flow of electricity in the power grid and causing transformers to overheat and fail.
—Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025
Its presence becomes obvious when a data center project is delayed because a transformer cannot be delivered on time, or when utilities cannot build transmission lines quickly enough to support new computing loads.
—IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025
When the voltage surged, transformers and power plants shut down.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transformer
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Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
These storms can also damage key technological infrastructure, such as by interfering with the flow of electricity in the power grid and causing transformers to overheat and fail.
—Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025
Its presence becomes obvious when a data center project is delayed because a transformer cannot be delivered on time, or when utilities cannot build transmission lines quickly enough to support new computing loads.
—IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025
When the voltage surged, transformers and power plants shut down.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transformer
Cite this Entry
“Transformer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transformer. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
transformer
noun
trans·form·er
tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mər
: a device for changing an electric current into one of different voltage
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