energy

noun en·er·gy \ ˈe-nər-jē \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: energy in a Sentence

Definition of energy

plural energies

1 a : 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

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See energy defined for kids

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 of energy from the Web

Rumpled, crumpled, Trumpled The energy on the left is focused on opposing Mr Trump’s attack on liberal democracy, not on carrying forward Mr Sanders’s revolution.

— The Economist, "Berned out," 7 June 2018
The second term reflects the energy of standing still with a pack on.

— alex hutchinson, Outside Online, "The Ultimate Backpacking Calorie Estimator," 6 June 2018
The corrosive clouds are tucked safely below, so there's ample solar energy shining down from above.

— NBC News, "NASA has a plan to let humans soar above the clouds on Venus," 5 June 2018
Being able to share that energy with the audience is the best feeling in the world. 5.

— Marie Claire, "Tiffany Haddish's Bucket List Includes a Date with Michael B. Jordan and a Fried Chicken Dinner with Michelle Obama," 5 June 2018
Half of the energy a home uses to keep cool air inside is lost without it, the utility says.

— greg larose, NOLA.com, "Entergy warns customers with tips to avoid high bills in hot weather," 5 June 2018
Lundy said, adding with new windows and LED lighting inside and out, the building also is more energy efficient.

— amy lavalley, Post-Tribune, "South Haven Fire introduces new ambulance, renovated fire station with a splash," 4 June 2018
Second, the home would not be any more energy efficient.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Should Massachusetts require home sellers to share energy efficiency grades with potential buyers?," 1 June 2018
This is all energy that could be going towards performing at a higher level.

— clay skipper, GQ, "The Trainer to LeBron James and Victor Oladipo Shares the Recovery Secrets of NBA Stars," 31 May 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of energy

Late Latin energia, from Greek energeia activity, from energos active, from en in + ergon work — more at work

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1599

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

energy Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

ENERGY Defined for English Language Learners

energy

noun

Definition of energy for English Language Learners

: 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.