transformer

noun

trans·​form·​er tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mər 

: one that transforms

specifically : a device employing the principle of mutual induction to convert variations of current in a primary circuit into variations of voltage and current in a secondary circuit

Examples of transformer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Every transformer on the grid—from the cylinders perched on utility lines to the big spiky devices at substations—trades voltage for current at a fixed ratio. — Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Permitting delays, turbine and transformer shortages, and skilled labor gaps are keeping projects from moving from plan to reality. — Shiva Dhawan, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Demand for transformers has surged, yet the US has only one domestic producer of the specialized electrical steel needed for transformer cores. — Dr. Sarah Kapnick, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Convolutional networks, transformers, reinforcement learning. — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing transformer

• Tesla transformer

Rhymes for transformer

• conformer
• informer
• performer
• reformer
• dormer
• former
• warmer

Kids Definition

transformer

noun

trans·​form·​er tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mər 

: a device for changing an electric current into one of different voltage