alternator

noun

al·​ter·​na·​tor ˈȯl-tər-ˌnā-tər How to pronounce alternator (audio)
 also  ˈal-
: an electric generator for producing alternating current

Examples of alternator 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.
In cars, alternators bear a heavy load when turning mechanical energy into electrical power. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024 Honda still needs to get the power to drive that snail from somewhere – this bike will need a substantially higher energy output from its alternator, and probably a larger battery, to run this compressor. New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2024 The company returned to Wisconsin the production of a critically important generator component, an alternator, that was made in China for about 20 years. Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2024 The setup, which includes an inverter, a shore battery converter, a battery energy converter, a solar energy converter and an alternator energy optimizer, can produce enough power to keep the van and all its features running for up to 72 hours. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for alternator 

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alternator was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near alternator

Cite this Entry

“Alternator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternator. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

alternator

noun
al·​ter·​na·​tor ˈȯl-tər-ˌnāt-ər How to pronounce alternator (audio)
 also  ˈal-
: an electric generator for producing alternating current

More from Merriam-Webster on alternator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!