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 wattage capacity has also been boosted to a potential 4,000 watts, providing up to 45 miles of range per day under optimal conditions. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 20 Dec. 2024

The hub offers two USB-A ports and a USB-C port, the latter of which can output 20 watts. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024

The drivers are powered by a class D amplifier pushing out 30 watts per speaker. —PCMAG, 17 Dec. 2024

Scientists aren’t sure how the human brain can perform immensely complicated mental gymnastics using only 20 watts of power. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

James Watt †1819

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing watt

• watt-hour

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