amperage

noun

am·​per·​age ˈam-p(ə-)rij How to pronounce amperage (audio)
-ˌpir-ij
plural amperages
1
: the strength of a current of electricity expressed in amperes
2
: level of excitement or energy
The famed animator … ups the amperage by kicking the visuals into the unpredictable world of the teenage subconscious.Entertainment Weekly
If his prospects appeared to be dim, his intellectual life took on a new amperage. He seized his London days with manic energy.John Lahr

Examples of amperage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So if speed is a major consideration, opt for a higher amperage. Katherine Keeler, Car and Driver, 15 Aug. 2023 The maintainer function detects and counteracts the loss with a small amount of amperage to top up the battery without overcharging. Katherine Keeler, Car and Driver, 15 Aug. 2023 Charging is usually done with higher amperage and is meant to charge the battery quickly and to full health. Katherine Keeler, Car and Driver, 15 Aug. 2023 Amps & Charging Time In addition to voltage, each charger has a specific amperage rating, or a few selectable amp settings. Talon Homer, Popular Mechanics, 1 Aug. 2023 Generally, a higher amperage will charge a battery faster. Talon Homer, Popular Mechanics, 1 Aug. 2023 Level 2 is 240 volts (like an electric dryer) and, depending on the amperage of the circuit, can range between 5.8 and 19.2 kW. Level 3, DC fast-charging, typically operates at 400 or 800 volts, and the rates can be as high as 350 kW. Are there tax breaks for EV owners who buy a home charger? Dave Vanderwerp, Car and Driver, 25 July 2023 The Whynter’s amperage and BTU capacity position it firmly in the heavy-duty cooling category (and the heavy category; this portable air conditioner weighs 80 pounds). Danny Perez, Popular Mechanics, 1 May 2023 Yes, the Craftsman’s motor is a bit smaller than the Skil in terms of its amperage, but the cutting performance between the two tools is negligible. Alex Rennie, Popular Mechanics, 26 June 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amperage was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near amperage

Cite this Entry

“Amperage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amperage. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

amperage

noun
am·​per·​age ˈam-p(ə-)rij How to pronounce amperage (audio)
-ˌpi(ə)r-ij
: the rate of flow of a current of electricity expressed in amperes

Medical Definition

amperage

noun
am·​per·​age ˈam-p(ə-)rij How to pronounce amperage (audio) -ˌpi(ə)r-ij How to pronounce amperage (audio)
: the strength of a current of electricity expressed in amperes
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