energy

noun

en·​er·​gy ˈe-nər-jē How to pronounce energy (audio)
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
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 Nowhere is the competitive disadvantage more apparent than in the energy space, where U.S. companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron are rewarded with consistently stronger market valuations than European competitors due to an ability to allocate more capital to their core business endeavors. David Blackmon, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 On a core basis, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, the current consensus estimate is a 0.2% month-over-month increase and a 2.7% year-over-year rise, which would represent a slight uptick from 2.6% in July. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2024 The latter of the three is a private energy company responsible for power distribution and transmission on the island. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2024 Because their districts are seeing tangible benefits from clean energy manufacturing investments. Michael S. Regan, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for energy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'energy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of energy was in 1783

Dictionary Entries Near energy

Cite this Entry

“Energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/energy. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

energy

noun
en·​er·​gy ˈen-ər-jē How to pronounce energy (audio)
plural energies
1
: power or ability to be active : strength of body or mind to do things or to work
a teacher of great intellectual energy
2
: natural power exerted with force : lively action
work with energy
3
: the capacity (as of heat, light, or running water) for doing work
4
a
: usable power (as heat or electricity)
b
: a source of energy
especially : a resource (as oil) used to provide energy

Medical Definition

energy

noun
en·​er·​gy ˈen-ər-jē How to pronounce energy (audio)
plural energies
1
2
: the capacity for doing work

More from Merriam-Webster on energy

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!