watt

noun

: the absolute meter-kilogram-second unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second or to the power produced by a current of one ampere across a potential difference of one volt : 1/746 horsepower

Examples of watt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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When tested, the composite material delivered a thermal conductivity exceeding 1,000 watts per meter-Kelvin (W/mK). Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026 Its 900 watts of power are greater than most pizzelle makers. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026 That's more than the Studio Display's 96 watts, which provides enough juice for a smaller MacBook. Tony Hoffman, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026 Van der Poel was doing 650 watts and struggling to stay on the Slovenian’s wheel at Flanders — that sort of output means both men will go into Sunday expecting to win. Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for watt

Word History

Etymology

James Watt †1819

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of watt was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Watt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watt. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

watt

noun
: a unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second
Etymology

named for James Watt 1736–1819 Scottish engineer

Medical Definition

watt

noun
: the absolute mks unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second or to the power produced by a current of one ampere across a potential difference of one volt : ¹/₇₄₆ horsepower

Biographical Definition

Watt

biographical name

James 1736–1819 Scottish inventor

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