watt

noun

: 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 global price has plunged to 14 cents a watt, down 37 percent since January. Jonathan Weisman Christian Monterrosa, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2023 These mixers also have ultra-powerful motors, ranging from 525 watts in the Series 5 motors to 575 watts in the Series 6. Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 27 Nov. 2023 In terms of sheer suction power, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is the most powerful option in Dyson’s current lineup, offering 290 AW, or air watts, of suction power. Camryn Rabideau, Peoplemag, 15 Nov. 2023 The graphics card at full attack uses 175 watts—double the power of an average laptop. Clifford Atiyeh, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2023 The cooling power is the equivalent of 5.6 watts, which works out to be about 116 W/kg of material. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 16 Nov. 2023 Under state law, e-bikes have different classes but must have a motor less than 750 watts. Stacy Ryburn, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2023 Beyond the easy installation, these lights provide 4,400 lumens by using only 42 watts, which is an efficiency of 105 lumens per watt. Jack Byram, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2023 This means that, instead of the watts system, the quality of light emitted by these new bulbs is measured in Kelvins. Jennifer Barger, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'watt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

James Watt †1819

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of watt was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near watt

Cite this Entry

“Watt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watt. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

watt

noun
: 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
: 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

James 1736–1819 Scottish inventor

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