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

Dielectric elastomer actuators often require more than 1,000 volts. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

Dorado claims a two-hour charge time on a 220-volt supply, which is respectable, but battery swapping remains the bigger convenience for serious off-road use. — New Atlas, 27 July 2026

The bear was panting and struggling with the placement of its paws and legs on the pole — which was carrying 7,200-volt wires at 22 feet high. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

Even after being exposed to minus 40 volts, the tandem solar cells kept more than 90 percent of their original efficiency. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 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
• millivolt
• landolt

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