volt

1 of 2

noun (1)

: 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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The 900-volt system allows up to 200 miles to be added within only 11 minutes of charging on Tesla’s fast chargers. Sasha Lekach, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 The bed does feature two standard 120-volt electrical outlets, so don't try replicating this bed setup at home without serious research and caution. Charles Singh, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025 Betavoltaic batteries with silicon diodes have conversion efficiencies of a few percent, and up to 10 percent with silicon carbide, and can typically operate at around 1 volt. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Aug. 2025 To ensure that the F80’s aero performance stays consistent, four 48-volt active dampers complete a cycle every 25 milliseconds to maintain ride height and prevent body roll. Jonny Lieberman, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for volt

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of volt was in 1688

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Cite this Entry

“Volt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volt. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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
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

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