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

The operators likely see green lights and stable voltage readings on their screens even as transformers are overloading and breakers are tripping in the physical world. —Saman Zonouz, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2026

Power Without Corruption Mission has used a high-quality and ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer for 778CDT’s internal power architecture, which isolates critical pathways. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

President Carla Peterman said the utility doubled the capacity of its Santa Teresa substation, including the installation of a new transformer and circuits. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

Vehicles that skid on icy roads routinely hit utility poles and transformers, the green metal boxes seen on roadsides. —Sue Ambrose, Dallas Morning News, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing transformer

• Tesla transformer

Rhymes for transformer

• conformer
• informer
• performer
• reformer
• dormer
• former
• warmer

Kids Definition

transformer

noun

trans·​form·​er tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mər 

: a device for changing an electric current into one of different voltage