prime mover
noun
1
a
: an initial source of motive power (such as a windmill, waterwheel, turbine, or internal combustion engine) designed to receive and modify force and motion as supplied by some natural source and apply them to drive machinery
b
: a powerful tractor or truck usually with all-wheel drive
2
: the self-moved being that is the source of all motion
3
: the original or most effective force in an undertaking or work
education is … a prime mover of cultural and societal change—
R. C. Buck
R. C. BuckExamples of prime mover in a Sentence
She was the prime mover behind the town's annual summer festival.
Recent Examples on the Web
As much as Putin, Trump has been the prime mover behind these changes, which might prompt Europe to fully break with Washington.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Compared with diesels, electric prime movers are very expensive, don’t go far on a charge, and take a long time to recharge.
—Ian Baker
july 22, New Atlas, 22 July 2025
The retrofit process involved removing the original hood and prime mover—the large diesel engine and generator that traditionally power the locomotive—leaving behind a long, open deck and the existing operator cab.
—David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
The official Iranian line today is that the US is an insidious prime mover of Iranian history.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prime mover
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Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Compared with diesels, electric prime movers are very expensive, don’t go far on a charge, and take a long time to recharge.
—Ian Baker
july 22, New Atlas, 22 July 2025
The retrofit process involved removing the original hood and prime mover—the large diesel engine and generator that traditionally power the locomotive—leaving behind a long, open deck and the existing operator cab.
—David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
The official Iranian line today is that the US is an insidious prime mover of Iranian history.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prime mover
Cite this Entry
“Prime mover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20mover. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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prime mover
noun
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