energy

noun

en·er·gy | \ ˈe-nər-jē

plural energies

Definition of energy

1a : dynamic quality narrative energy

b : the capacity of acting or being active intellectual energy

c : a usually positive spiritual force the energy flowing through all people

2 : vigorous exertion of power : effort investing time and energy

3 : a fundamental entity of nature that is transferred between parts of a system in the production of physical change within the system and usually regarded as the capacity for doing work

4 : usable power (such as heat or electricity) also : the resources for producing such power

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about energy

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Choose the Right Synonym for energy

power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort. power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon. the awesome power of flowing water force implies the actual effective exercise of power. used enough force to push the door open energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work. a worker with boundless energy strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack. use weight training to build your strength might implies great or overwhelming power or strength. the belief that might makes right

Examples of energy in a Sentence

The kids are always so full of energy. They devoted all their energy to the completion of the project. They devoted all their energies to the completion of the project. She puts a lot of energy into her work. The newer appliances conserve more energy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Most of their lives, stars produce light and energy through a very complicated process called nuclear fusion. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, "Sky Watch: Lyra the Lyre may be a small constellation, but it has a big story," 18 Aug. 2019 As more and more glaciers melt, energy from the sun will instead be absorbed into the ocean. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN, "Scientists bid farewell to the first Icelandic glacier lost to climate change. If more melt, it can be disastrous," 18 Aug. 2019 Nothing is saved in the way North Dakota, Wyoming, New Mexico and other energy-producing states are salting away money for the future. — Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, "Is it too late for Colorado to capture billions of dollars in oil and gas tax revenues in a permanent fund?," 18 Aug. 2019 Many have said that Wilson is no different from last year, bringing the same attitude and energy to each practice. — Greg Luca, ExpressNews.com, "UTSA coach Frank Wilson under scrutiny as 2019 season nears," 17 Aug. 2019 Her aide, Morgana, is not the perky ingénue of most productions, but, as played with touchingly quivering energy by Sandrine Piau, is, like Alcina, a woman of a certain age, and therefore a certain anxiety. — Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, "Nearly 100, the Salzburg Festival Doesn’t Wait to Celebrate," 16 Aug. 2019 But when Spicemas touch down, the whole place shell down, and comes alive with electric energy that is contagious. — Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, "Shell It Down! 30 Moments That Prove Spicemas In Grenada Has No Behavior," 16 Aug. 2019 Especially in people who start to lose weight, are gradually losing energy and in patients with a family history of any cancer. — Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, "Aretha Franklin's Detroit-based doctor talks about the cancer that took her life," 16 Aug. 2019 Abe, whose accomplished, irreverent pattern-making is the result of foundational years in Comme des Garçons’s Tokyo atelier, understands on an intuitive level that there’s energy in her collisions. — Vogue, "The Women Designers Who Changed The Way We Dress," 14 Aug. 2019

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

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Statistics for energy

Last Updated

22 Aug 2019

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Time Traveler for energy

The first known use of energy was in 1783

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More Definitions for energy

energy

noun

English Language Learners Definition of energy

: ability to be active : the physical or mental strength that allows you to do things

: natural enthusiasm and effort

: usable power that comes from heat, electricity, etc.

See the full definition for energy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

energy

noun

en·er·gy | \ ˈe-nər-jē

plural energies

Kids Definition of energy

1 : ability to be active : strength of body or mind to do things or to work The children … were tired and hardly had energy enough to walk.— E. B. White, Charlotte's Web

2 : strong action or effort He puts a lot of energy into his work.

3 : usable power or the resources (as oil) used to produce usable power Our new dryer uses a lot less energy.