noun
power
POW-uh
noun
1
The ability to do something, or to control and influence people or events.
"The new CEO has the power to restructure the entire company."
"Voters ultimately decide who holds political power."
2
Physical strength or energy, especially electricity.
"The storm knocked out power to half the town."
3
In mathematics, the result of multiplying a number by itself a given number of times.
"Ten to the power of three equals a thousand."
verb
1
To supply energy to a device so it can run.
"Solar panels power the entire house."
How to Use Power
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe ability to control, influence, or act — or, in a more physical sense, energy or electricity.
Common pairings
in power
power outage
raise to the power of
Word Forms
more power comparative, powered past tense, powers plural, Powers plural, powers singular, most power superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “power”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new CEO has the _____ to restructure the entire company.
Etymology
From Old French poeir, from Vulgar Latin potere, related to Latin posse, "to be able" — the same root as "potent" and "possible".