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

The 4-watt audio system delivered high enough volume for a family room, while the sound quality was a little thin compared with most models today. —PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025

According to Entergy, a typical 15-amp power strip can handle up to 1,800 watts of power. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025

Each unit is expected to cost around USD 35,000, uses 850-1,000 watts (W) of energy, and doesn’t require an external computer to operate. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

The big names are in the Arena, but the stages on the grounds brim with a bevy of brilliant singers, including several in their 20s who represent jazz’s 100-watt future. —Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025

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