energy

noun

en·​er·​gy ˈe-nər-jē 

plural energies

1

a

: dynamic quality

narrative energy

b

: the capacity of acting or being active

intellectual energy

c

: a usually positive spiritual force

the energy flowing through all people

2

: vigorous exertion of power : effort

investing time and energy

3

: a fundamental entity of nature that is transferred between parts of a system in the production of physical change within the system and usually regarded as the capacity for doing work

4

: usable power (such as heat or electricity)

also : the resources for producing such power

Synonyms

• aura
• chi
• ch'i
• qi
• ki
• vibe(s)
• vibration(s)

Choose the Right Synonym for energy

power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort.

power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack.

use weight training to build your strength

might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

Examples of energy in a Sentence

The kids are always so full of energy.

They devoted all their energy to the completion of the project.

They devoted all their energies to the completion of the project.

She puts a lot of energy into her work.

The newer appliances conserve more energy.

Recent Examples on the Web

But for all the flash, there was an organic energy to it all, and Bad Bunny made LCA feel like a nightclub hot spot. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 7 Apr. 2024

That's because the rocks in the Earth's crust in the east are older and more rigid, causing seismic energy to travel more efficiently, according to the agency. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024

The ancient eastern faults have also stored up a lot of energy over time. —Matt Simon, WIRED, 5 Apr. 2024

Some Hindus who see eclipses as inauspicious fast before and bathe after the celestial event — sometimes with their clothes on — to clear themselves of negative energies, Kowsik says. —Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024

Each station captures data about how much the earth moves and vibrates during a temblor and how much energy moves out from the hypocenter, or the site of an earthquake under the planet's surface. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2024

Soft lofts are generally more energy efficient than hard lofts counterparts due to their newer construction and materials. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2024

The Sun Did It!, 10 a.m. at Indiana Dunes State Park: Visit the park’s nature center to make a solar memento and learn about solar energy. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Apr. 2024

The energy and industrial sectors are responsible for two-thirds of total emissions, followed by the transport, building and agriculture sectors. —Min Joo Kim, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin energia, from Greek energeia activity, from energos active, from en in + ergon work — more at work

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing energy

• activation energy
• alternative energy
• atomic energy
• binding energy
• bundle of energy
• conservation of energy
• dark energy
• dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
• energy drink
• energy level
• high-energy
• high-energy physics
• kinetic energy
• luminous energy
• nervous energy
• non-energy
• nuclear energy
• potential energy
• radiant energy

Kids Definition

energy

noun

en·​er·​gy ˈen-ər-jē 

plural energies

1

: power or ability to be active : strength of body or mind to do things or to work

a teacher of great intellectual energy

2

: natural power exerted with force : lively action

work with energy

3

: the capacity (as of heat, light, or running water) for doing work

4

a

: usable power (as heat or electricity)

b

: a source of energy

especially : a resource (as oil) used to provide energy

Medical Definition

energy

noun

en·​er·​gy ˈen-ər-jē 

plural energies

1

: psychic energy

2

: the capacity for doing work