amp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1The noun (electrical unit) is technical/neutral. The noun (amplifier) and verb are informal.
Quick answer
What does “amp” mean?
The basic unit of electric current.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The basic unit of electric current.
Informally, an amplifier for sound; or a verb meaning to increase or intensify something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in electrical meaning. 'Amp' for 'amplifier' is common in both, but slightly more prevalent in US music/guitar contexts. The verb 'to amp up' is also common in both.
Connotations
Technical/neutral for electricity; informal, energetic, often associated with music or performance for other uses.
Frequency
As a noun (amplifier), slightly higher frequency in US informal contexts. The verb form is equally common in modern informal use.
Grammar
How to Use “amp” in a Sentence
N: a 13-amp fuseN: plug into the ampV: amp something upV: get amped (up) for somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The DJ will amp up the crowd before the main act.
- We need to amp our efforts to meet the deadline.
American English
- He amped himself up by listening to loud rock music.
- Let's amp the marketing campaign for the launch.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not standard as a standalone adjective. Used in compounds: 'amp-hour rating'.
American English
- Not standard as a standalone adjective. Used in compounds: 'amp settings'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in technical specifications for electrical devices.
Academic
Used in physics and engineering contexts for the unit of current.
Everyday
Common in informal contexts: 'My guitar amp is broken.' or 'We need to amp up the energy.'
Technical
Standard term in electrical engineering and audio technology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amp”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amp”
- Using 'amp' as a formal synonym for 'energy' (e.g., 'I have no amps today').
- Confusing 'amp' (current) with 'volt' (potential).
- Misspelling as 'emp'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They mean the same thing electrically. 'Ampere' is the formal, full term (SI unit). 'Amp' is the common, abbreviated form used in technical and everyday language.
Yes, informally. 'To amp (something) up' means to increase the intensity, power, or excitement of something. For example, 'amp up the volume' or 'get amped for the concert'.
Yes, it's common in British English, especially among musicians and in audio-related contexts, just as in American English.
A common mistake is using 'amp' interchangeably with 'volt'. Amps (amperes) measure electrical current (the flow rate), while volts measure electrical potential (the 'pressure' pushing the current).
The basic unit of electric current.
Amp is usually the noun (electrical unit) is technical/neutral. the noun (amplifier) and verb are informal. in register.
Amp: in British English it is pronounced /æmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /æmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “amp it up”
- “amped to the max”
- “full of amps (informal for energy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of AMPLIFIER - the first three letters are 'AMP' which makes things LOUDER and more powerful, just like electrical AMPS measure power.
Conceptual Metaphor
ELECTRICITY IS A FLUID (current, flow of amps). INTENSITY IS ELECTRICAL POWER (amped up, full of energy).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'amp' used as a formal, standard unit of measurement?