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

Sean is the kind of guy who always seems to buzz with nervous energy, not always in a good way. — Randy Cordova, azcentral, "In 'Papi Chulo,' a lonely weatherman and a day laborer form a delightful friendship," 10 June 2019 For the past 25 years, owners with both the means and the energy have been restoring the mansion and its grounds. — Judy Rose, Detroit Free Press, "Kresge mansion, one of Detroit's largest, is about to hit the market," 8 June 2019 In-reeling, according to SkySails’ boss, Stephan Wrage, consumes only 4% of the energy the kite generates on its way out, so the process is pretty efficient. — The Economist, "An innovative approach to making electricity from the wind," 7 June 2019 And to think, the Warriors entered this game with all the energy that often defined what made Oracle Arena so unique. — Mark Medina, The Mercury News, "Raptors 105; Warriors 92: Warriors crumble in what could be final game at Oracle Arena," 7 June 2019 Arnold, if less obviously so than Vallée, employs the Pacific Ocean to underscore the roiling energy of the setting and the forces that are always threatening to break the town open. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Family Values of Big Little Lies," 7 June 2019 My second clue was seeing the energy in the room change; there was a sudden sense of urgency. — Donna Blass, Health.com, "I Had a Perfectly Normal EKG at My Check-Up—and the Next Day I Had a Heart Attack," 7 June 2019 Because the jet stream moves from west-to-east in the northern hemisphere, when the jet stream is roaring across the West, the Plains will often feel the strongest push of the jet’s energy. — Chris Bianchi, The Denver Post, "How Colorado’s gray May helped fuel hundreds of Plains tornadoes," 6 June 2019 But to anyone who saw Russians rebel in the final years of the Soviet Union, the grim, fearless energy of these protests is instantly recognizable. — Leonid Bershidsky, Twin Cities, "Leonid Bershidsky: Russia after Vladimir Putin," 5 June 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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Dictionary Entries near energy

Statistics for energy

Last Updated

13 Jun 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.