energy

noun

en·​er·​gy ˈe-nər-jē How to pronounce energy (audio)
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
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 The energy was palpable, and Timberlake went out with a bang. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 But when taking energy and food out of that equation, core final demand goods still was up 0.3% from January, matching the highest monthly gains seen within the past year. Alicia Wallace, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 South Fork can generate 132 megawatts of offshore wind energy to power more than 70,000 homes. Jennifer McDermott, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 All that time and energy in building the band’s presence and validity from 1998 to around 2008, that played a big part in it. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2024 El Dorado, their sophomore album, instantly shook up the music in Colombia with its mix of punk energy and distinctly Latin-American sounds: Afro-Colombian rhythms, folk undercurrents, and a ranchera for good measure. Beverly Bryan, SPIN, 14 Mar. 2024 Shell’s spending on low-carbon energy may also slow in the coming years. Laura Hurst, Fortune Europe, 14 Mar. 2024 The company has also announced sustainability targets that include using 100 percent renewable energy at sites and stores by 2026 via the LIFE 360 program—not to mention the preservation of 12.4 million acres of habitat for flora and fauna worldwide by 2030. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2024 Groot is looking for humans who are excited to enrich his energy and intelligence. Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'energy.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of energy was in 1783

Dictionary Entries Near energy

Cite this Entry

“Energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/energy. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

energy

noun
en·​er·​gy ˈen-ər-jē How to pronounce energy (audio)
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 How to pronounce energy (audio)
plural energies
1
2
: the capacity for doing work

More from Merriam-Webster on energy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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