watt

noun

ˈwät How to pronounce watt (audio)
: 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
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.
The panels store within the roof rails when driving but expand at camp to deliver up to 600 watts of charging while doubling as an awning, saving space and weight as compared to separate awning and charging systems. — New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026 The launcher uses two 400-watt AC servo motors to drive a pair of spinning wheels. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026 In Florida, e-bikes are defined as a bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Both of these also provide power delivery, with the USB-C delivering 15 watts. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for watt

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

Phrases Containing watt

Rhymes for watt

See All Rhymes for watt

Browse Nearby Words

Watson-Watt
watt
Watt
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Cite this Entry

“Watt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watt. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

watt

noun
ˈwät How to pronounce watt (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce watt (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce Watt (audio)
James 1736–1819 Scottish inventor

More from Merriam-Webster on watt

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about watt

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