alternative energy

noun

variants or less commonly alternative power
: usable power (such as heat or electricity) that comes from a renewable or green resource
alternative energy sources/technology

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The ranch seamlessly integrates with the surrounding nature and uses alternative energy sources, a purifying and regenerative water system and natural materials. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2023 And as in most types of alternative energy, thorium power faces a lack of funding for research and of financial incentives for power companies to switch over. David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2015 Such investments in alternative energy can ultimately help insulate the region and the nation from future dependence on Russian oil and gas. Gretchen Cuda Kroen, cleveland, 24 Jan. 2023 Therefore purveyors of alternative energy might have expected nothing but warm greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. James Freeman, WSJ, 19 Dec. 2022 If confirmed, the breakthrough at the Lawrence Livermore Lab could bring this dream of limitless and safe alternative energy closer to reality. Aurora Almendral, Quartz, 12 Dec. 2022 Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this year and its use of energy to put economic and political pressure on European nations have added urgency to Poland’s search for alternative energy sources. Fortune, 29 Oct. 2022 After first working on issues involving alternative energy, Kashkari was asked by Paulson to look at the housing market, which following a long run-up was suddenly tanking. Michael Steinberger, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2023 New York Times Is a dam in rural Portugal a key to our alternative energy future? Jeremy Beaman, Washington Examiner, 4 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alternative energy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alternative energy was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near alternative energy

Cite this Entry

“Alternative energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20energy. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY