watt

noun

ˈwät 

: the absolute meter-kilogram-second unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second or to the power produced by a current of one ampere across a potential difference of one volt : 1/746 horsepower

Examples of watt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Van der Poel was doing 650 watts and struggling to stay on the Slovenian’s wheel at Flanders — that sort of output means both men will go into Sunday expecting to win. —Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Dryers designed to limit damage are generally medium wattage, so expect to see motors with 1,500 watts or less. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026

However, the battery will weigh only a few kilograms and deliver more than 10 watts per kilogram of energy. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026

The Solarperk Solar Panel Kit offers 20 watts of energy through monocrystalline cells fitted into a durable glass and aluminum pane. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

James Watt †1819

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing watt

• watt-hour

Rhymes for watt

• aught
• baht
• blot
• bott
• bought
• brought
• caught
• clot
• cot
• cott
• dot
• fought

Kids Definition

watt

noun

ˈwät 

: a unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second

Etymology

named for James Watt 1736–1819 Scottish engineer

Medical Definition

watt

noun

ˈwät 

: the absolute mks unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second or to the power produced by a current of one ampere across a potential difference of one volt : ¹/₇₄₆ horsepower

Biographical Definition

Watt

biographical name

ˈwät 

James 1736–1819 Scottish inventor