watt

noun

ˈwät 

: the absolute meter-kilogram-second unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second or to the power produced by a current of one ampere across a potential difference of one volt : 1/746 horsepower

Examples of watt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The onboard Dolby audio system, which uses dual 5-watt speakers, delivered usable sound for casual viewing at high enough volume for a family room. — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 23 Aug. 2026

With its 25-watt speed, this adapter can charge modern smartphones from 0 percent to 50 percent in roughly 30 minutes. — Annita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026

Testing heat without sunlight Zeno’s payload centers on a five-watt radioisotope heater unit containing americium-241. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

That means that either the bike has an electric motor that goes over 750 watts of power or can go faster than 20 mph on solely motor power. — Ryanne Mena, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

James Watt †1819

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing watt

• watt-hour

Rhymes for watt

• aught
• baht
• blot
• bott
• bought
• brought
• caught
• clot
• cot
• cott
• dot
• fought

Kids Definition

watt

noun

ˈwät 

: a unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second

Etymology

named for James Watt 1736–1819 Scottish engineer

Medical Definition

watt

noun

ˈwät 

: the absolute mks unit of power equal to the work done at the rate of one joule per second or to the power produced by a current of one ampere across a potential difference of one volt : 1/746 horsepower

Biographical Definition

Watt

biographical name

ˈwät 

James 1736–1819 Scottish inventor