transformer

noun

trans·​form·​er tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mər How to pronounce transformer (audio)
Synonyms of transformernext
: one that transforms
specifically : a device employing the principle of mutual induction to convert variations of current in a primary circuit into variations of voltage and current in a secondary circuit

Examples of transformer 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.
Howard Industries makes electrical transformers, including the equipment utilities use to get electricity to homes and businesses. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Because the coating stops being an insulator when its breakdown threshold is reached, the charge rips through it in a miniature dielectric breakdown, the same failure mode that kills capacitors and transformer insulation. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Supply chains for transformers and turbines are backlogged for years. — Joshua MacEy, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026 Pipeline companies may benefit from additional natural-gas demand, while manufacturers of turbines, transformers, switchgear, cooling equipment, and electrical components are seeing a new source of orders. — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transformer

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transformer was in 1596

Phrases Containing transformer

Rhymes for transformer

See All Rhymes for transformer

Browse Nearby Words

transformative
transformer
transformer oil
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transformer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transformer. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

transformer

noun
trans·​form·​er tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mər How to pronounce transformer (audio)
: a device for changing an electric current into one of different voltage

More from Merriam-Webster on transformer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for transformer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about transformer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All