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 For instance, in 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act set a lumens per watt standard for light bulbs that effectively banned the incandescent-type bulb. IEEE Spectrum, 10 Feb. 2024 LEDs produce 40–80 lumens per watt, which is far more than incandescent (about 12 lumens per watt) and halogen (17 lumens per watt) and somewhat more than compact fluorescent (about 60 lumens per watt). Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2024 Features on new Ram 1500 Tungsten: Indigo/Sea Salt interior color scheme Suede headliner, A- and B-pillars and sun visors Klipsch 23-speaker audio with 1,228 watts 24-way power, massaging seats 3. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 22 Feb. 2024 In both solar PVs and TPV systems, the photovoltaic cell generates a power density (in watts per square meter, for instance) that translates to a total power generated by the photovoltaic system. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Feb. 2024 For example, the average type of refrigerator utilizes 300-400 watts of power. Craig Caudill, Field & Stream, 7 Feb. 2024 Rebates for non-residential customers are 50 cents a watt, up to $50,000. Bruce Henderson, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Generally, a generator with 1,000 to 2,000 watts is suitable for camping or powering small appliances. Craig Caudill, Field & Stream, 7 Feb. 2024 There’s a lot to love about this Lasko tower space heater, which has an impressive 1,500 watts of heating power. Amanda Oliver, Peoplemag, 2 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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