volt

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈvōlt 

: the practical meter-kilogram-second unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force equal to the difference of potential between two points in a conducting wire carrying a constant current of one ampere when the power dissipated between these two points is equal to one watt and equivalent to the potential difference across a resistance of one ohm when one ampere is flowing through it

volt

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈvōlt  ˈvȯlt 

1

: a leaping movement in fencing to avoid a thrust

2

a

: a tread or gait in which a horse going sideways makes a turn around a center

b

: a circle traced by a horse in this movement

Examples of volt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The newer model Taser carries a maximum 1,000 volts instead of 50,000 volts, can reach 45 feet instead of 25 feet and can carry 10 cartridges instead of two, Schepman said Friday. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 May 2026

When the electric field reaches a critical strength — roughly 3 million volts per meter — the air starts to come undone. —Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026

Gas ranges typically use a 120-circuit whereas induction ranges require high-capacity wiring and a 220-volt outlet. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 4 May 2026

Some Level 2 chargers plug into a 240-volt outlet, while others are hard-wired into a home’s electrical system. —Mckynzie Steward, AJC.com, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Alessandro Volta

Noun (2)

borrowed from French volte, borrowed from Italian volta "turn," noun derivative of voltare "to turn," going back to Vulgar Latin *volvitāre, frequentative of Latin volvere "to set in a circular course, cause to roll, bring round" — more at wallow entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1873, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing volt

• electron volt
• volt-ampere

Rhymes for volt

• bolt
• boult
• colt
• jolt
• molt
• moult
• poult
• smolt
• volte
• kilovolt
• landolt
• raoult

Kids Definition

volt

noun

ˈvōlt

: a unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force equal to the difference in potential between two points in a conducting wire carrying a constant current of one ampere when the power used between these two points is equal to one watt

Medical Definition

volt

noun

ˈvōlt 

1

: the practical mks unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force equal to the difference of potential between two points in a conducting wire carrying a constant current of one ampere when the power dissipated between these two points is equal to one watt and equivalent to the potential difference across a resistance of one ohm when one ampere is flowing through it

2

: a unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force equal to 1.00034 volts and formerly taken as the standard in the United States