high-energy

adjective

high-en·​er·​gy ˈhī-ˈe-nər-jē 

1

a

: having such speed and kinetic energy as to exhibit relativistic departure from classical laws of motion

—used especially of elementary particles whose velocity has been imparted by an accelerator

b

: of or relating to high-energy particles

2

: yielding a relatively large amount of energy when undergoing hydrolysis

Examples of high-energy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In this landscape, valleys are where the system settles into comfortable, low-energy configurations, while peaks are high-energy configurations that are relatively unstable. — Quanta Magazine, 15 July 2026

The team found that the magnetic field runs parallel to a remarkably long filament extending away from the pulsar, confirming that high-energy particles are streaming along magnetic field lines. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 14 July 2026

Though the 21-year-old creator got his start with high-energy NBA 2K and Fortnite gameplay streams on YouTube, much of his platform today lives outside of the gaming chair. — Leslie Horn Peterson, Time, 14 July 2026

Listen to live music late into the night at Tin Roof, a casual, high-energy spot known for nightly shows and a lively crowd. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for high-energy

• bioenergy
• energy

Medical Definition

high-energy

adjective

: yielding a relatively large amount of energy when undergoing hydrolysis

high-energy phosphate bonds in ATP